Dear Messieurs Dubi and Felli,

The purpose of this letter is to formally request the IOC Sports Committee and Executive Committee consider the reallocation of the two (2) vacant Quota positions in Men's Skeleton to the next two ranked athletes from NOC(s) without representation above the published qualification threshold of the 60 top ranked athletes.

The FIBT Skeleton Program Director, Heinz Thoma, in conjunction with the FIBT Executive and the IOC Sports Committee did a tremendous job establishing a new, fair points ranking system and, amazingly, predicted 3 years out, an accurate bright line for sporting qualifications in men's (60) and women's (45) skeleton for the Vancouver Games.

However, it has proven to be unanticipated that the dominant Nations (Germany, USA, Canada, Russia and Great Britain), with deep and developed programs, would place so many athletes within the 60 cutoff, that emerging Nations, without home Tracks and adequate funding, would be bumped over the limit. In a sport where results are decided by hundreds of a second, this thin red line has motivated struggling Nations to greatly improve competition performance and yet worked to their disadvantage in the end. And, of course, the Quota should have been filled by those ranked higher, but who can predict the idiosyncrasies of particular NOC(s) and NF(s) not to send eligible athletes to the Olympic Games.

We believe the fairest sporting proposal to put before the IOC and to complete the declared principles of the reallocation policy, would be to elevate the next two highest ranked sliders placed over the published 60 Rank threshold at the January 17, 2010 deadline.

It is my duty as FIBT Vice President of International Affairs to advocate for emerging nations that require special assistance for competing in the OWG. I don't argue for exceeding the established quota, only to fill the quota with athletically qualified skeleton sliders who are measured for competence by a fair and non-discretionary ranking system. This proposal is vigorously supported by the FIBT Athletes Advisory Committee (Cindy Marshall [CAN] and Ben Sanford [NZL]).

I have been a USA Skeleton Coach, Race Director and President of the 2006 FIBT Skeleton Challenge Cup Jury. I can attest to the athletic ability and competence of each of the recommended athletes.

We are well aware of the strong need to abide by the clear and published qualification guidelines by the IOC and FIBT. However, this request does no violence to the fair sporting principles of the Olympic Charter.

We apologize for the lateness of this petition and sincerely appreciate your consideration.

Respectfully,

David Kurtz, FIBT Vice President of International Affairs