The U.S. Olympic skeleton team coach has been placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. 2002 Olympic gold medalist Tristan Gale and Felicia Canfield claim coach Tim Nardiello has made sexual advances and explicit comments toward female racers. Neither athlete will be competing in the Turin Winter Olympics. The four men and four women who are Olympic-team candidates have expressed support of Nardiello.
It seems like odd timing to me to bring this up. Why not a month ago? Why not a year ago? The allegations say this has been going on for years. One can’t help but wonder whether the allegations would have been made now if the women were headed for Turin. Whatever the truth, hopefully it will be resolved soon so that it doesn’t mar the team’s chances in the Olympics.
