Great Britain’s skinsuits have been given official approval on the eve of the Winter Olympics skeleton competition after their legality was questioned by rivals on Wednesday.
Sochi 2014 gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold and team-mate Laura Deas demonstrated their medal potential in training at the Olympic Sliding Centre in Pyeongchang as underwhelming World Cup seasons were forgotten.
Rival competitors have raised objections to Britain’s equipment, though, in particular the skinsuit technology which has been previously used by British Cycling.
However, a statement from the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation said: “The IBSF currently checked race suits of the British skeleton team. There were no rule violations at the presented suits.”
The issue was raised at the IBSF captains’ meeting on Wednesday evening, prior to the two-day men’s competition beginning on Thursday. The women’s event starts a day later and concludes on Saturday.
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A former world champion suggested Britain flout the rules at Olympics, but Team GB insisted it abided by all regulations.
United States’ Katie Uhlaender, the 2012 world champion, said: “A lot of athletes and coaches have questioned about whether the suit was legal. “I think this has been a question posed of Great Britain in the last two Olympics, starting in 2010 with Amy Williams and her helmet and suit.”
A Team GB spokesperson said: “We are confident that all competition equipment meets the technical and commercial requirements for every sport and discipline.”
Uhlaender referred to the helmet Williams used in Vancouver, which was subject of an unsuccessful protest after the competition had concluded. The American admitted questioning rivals’ equipment was a necessary part of preparations.
“It’s the part game. If you see something that is questionable then it’s OK to ask,” Uhlaender added.
