On Wednesday, the coach of Jamaica’s women’s bobsled team informed that she has left the squad. On the other hand, she is now demanding reimbursement of the team’s sled. The Olympic bobsled gold medalist for Germany in 2006, Sandra Kiriasis, said she was forced out of her job when her role changed. But based on the contract made with her, the team secured the sled. Now she is asking for the payment.
Kiriasis stated that “After some distorted facts have appeared in the media concerning my departure as coach of the Jamaican ladies’ bobsleigh team, I would like to put some things straight.” She further stated that she should work as a track and performance analyst and will have to leave the Olympic. She stated about the condition where she would lose her accreditation.
In the statement, she mentioned that she has decided to leave the squad as the federation was offering her unacceptable conditions without any explanation. She had not abandoned the team. The conditions given by the federation could have hampered the reputation and professionalism of Kiriasis.
On the same day, Jamaican Bobsled Federation refused to pay Kiriasis for the sled and stated she had not owned the sled.
After her self-resignation, the federation informed that”We are deeply disappointed in her decision to leave the program. We thank her for her invaluable contribution to JBSF and contributing to the success of Jamaica’s first female bobsled Olympic appearance.” The Federation further mentioned that Kiriasis departure will not affect JBSF and the athletes in the Winter Games.
On the other hand, this has brought a problem for the Jamaican women’s team. As per the result, due to lack of the ride, the team might not have able to play in the games.
After switching from a Japanese sled to this sled, in December the women’s team placed seventh in a World Cup race which was held in Germany.
