Unexpected Move: Olympic Team Pulled Out Before Winter Games Kickoff

As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games near their end in Milan-Cortina, focus shifts to a surprising development involving a national team. The competition remains fierce with events like curling, alpine skiing, ice hockey, and bobsleigh ongoing. However, before the four-man bobsleigh event, reports emerged that one team was pulled out by its country's Olympic committee.

The Israeli four-man bobsleigh team was disqualified after an internal review, as reported by The Times of Israel. The Olympic Committee of Israel found that a substitution request did not meet official eligibility criteria. Olympic rules allow replacements only for verified illness or injury, not for other reasons.

The team member falsely claimed illness for a substitution but later confessed to the misrepresentation. Consequently, the committee deemed the substitution request invalid and withdrew the team from the event.

Germany excelled in the four-man bobsleigh, securing both gold and silver medals, while Switzerland took the bronze. Team GB finished seventh overall. As the Games wrap up, organizers and national committees are expected to review procedures to maintain transparency and fairness in Olympic competition.