Statement - Skeleton Athlete Michelle Kelly Responds to Resolution of Dispute
with Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton

After Two Months of Turmoil, Medal Hopeful to Focus on the Games

CALGARY , Dec. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Skeleton Athlete Michelle Kelly today responded to the news that her dispute with Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) has finally been resolved.

"After two months of turmoil and two separate hearings clearing me of any wrongdoing, I am relieved that I can finally put this ordeal behind me. All I have wanted to do since the start of the season is focus on getting ready for the Olympics. It is my sincere hope that this resolution will finally put an end to all this nonsense."

On December 5th , Michelle Kelly received a notice from BCS that she was being removed from the Cesana World Cup race and would be subject to a BCS hearing relating to a pre-race inspection of Michelle's runners by FIBT officials. It should be pointed out that FIBT had taken no action whatsoever against Michelle Kelly relating to this pre-race inspection. Despite the fact that holding such a hearing would contravene with BCS' own rules and regulations, the hearing was held in Winterberg, Germany , on December 8th , and was attended by Mr. Donald Wilson , CEO of BCS, Ms Kelly, and a third party athlete representative. Counsel for Ms. Kelly participated by telephone.

After interview and deliberation, a decision relating to Ms. Kelly was issued as follows:

    
    1.  The removal by BCS of Ms. Kelly from the Cesana World Cup was
        unwarranted.
    2.  Ms. Kelly is solely responsible for FIBT compliance of her equipment.
    3.  Having been removed from the Cesana race, Ms. Kelly will have the
        Altenberg race added to her schedule in order to fulfil her four-race
        requirement for points to meet the BCS Olympic Selection criteria.
    

This latest hearing comes on the heels of a BCS appeal panel ruling last month, which reinstated Ms. Kelly to Team Canada . Expert evidence presented at that hearing confirmed that Ms. Kelly 's runners conformed with FIBT standards for chemical composition, hardness, and dimension, and that the diminished emblems were likely the result of industry standard sanding.

"The process has taken a toll on me both physically and emotionally, but I will stay strong," said Ms Kelly. "I will be out there daily making every effort to help Canada qualify a third sled for the Games."

Ms. Kelly is presently preparing for a World Cup race this Friday December 11 . She will be available If so requested, she will grant interviews following the conclusion of that event.

For further information: Jordan McJannet, Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, [phone]