JAMAICA’S Winter Olympic bobsleigh return was left in disarray after their coach quit in a bitter dispute – and threatened to take the team’s sled!
Sandra Kiriasis was branded “a hugely destructive force” by Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation’s president shortly after the German departed just six days before the start of the competition.
Former world, European and Olympic champion Kiriasis, 43, claims she was forced out after refusing to switch roles from driving coach to track performance analyst.
The BBC report that Kiriasis wants payment for the sled, which she claims was secured through her contacts and that she is legally responsible for.
JBF allegedly refused to pay her and dispute that she owns the sled.
It leaves Jamaica’s participation under a cloud as Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian and Carrie Russell hope to become the country’s first female Winter Olympians.
JBF president Christian Stokes was quick to stick the boot into the departing 2006 Olympic gold medallist.
Stokes said: “The lady was a hugely destructive force on the team.
“Now that she is off the team, synergy is much better, tension is down and athletes are now able to focus in a much healthier environment.
“Frankly things have only improved with her departure.
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“If you come on the team you have to be a team player. There are no Gods and Goddesses here.”
Kiriasis told the BBC: “I have never known such disappointment in this sport, in my life.
“The athletes have told me they don’t understand why this has happened as they have no problem with me and we have a good relationship.”
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The storm is only likely to increase the backing for Fenlator-Victorian and Russell in Pyeongchang.
Their appearance comes 30 years after the men’s team’s appearance at the 1988 Games, which inspired cult movie “Cool Runnings”.
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