The Israeli team participating in the four-man bobsleigh event faced disqualification from the competition after the Israeli Olympic Committee uncovered a false declaration aimed at permitting a last-minute roster change. This decision resulted from an athlete incorrectly asserting illness to justify the inclusion of substitute Ward Fawarseh, a move that violated competition regulations that permit substitutions only in verified cases of injury or sickness.
The athlete later confessed to the head of the Israeli delegation that the actions taken were improper. Post-admission, the Olympic Committee rescinded the request for substitution and disqualified the team for that day’s events, stating, “The conduct of the team is inappropriate and runs counter to the principles of fairness and sportsmanship.”
On the day prior to the disqualification, the team had competed with a lineup featuring AJ Edelman, Menachem Chen, Uri Zisman, and Omer Katz. Despite initial plans to take a second run with Fawarseh included, that opportunity was lost following the disqualification. Had he participated, Fawarseh could have made history as the first Druze athlete to represent Israel at the Olympic Games.
As the competition unfolded, the Israeli team finished the initial heats ranked 24th out of 27. The race was notable for three off-track incidents during the second run, an event that added to the day’s challenges. The Israeli Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation has yet to comment on the situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in sports, emphasizing that adherence to the rules is fundamental for maintaining the spirit of competition.