when is puerto rico competing in the winter olympics
Puerto Rico at the 2018 Winter Olympics In 2002, the bobsleigh team that was set to compete for the team was withdrawn as one athlete (Michael Gonzales) did not meet Puerto Rico Olympic Committee rules about eligibility. After this, the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee withdrew the recognition of the Winter Sports Federation for the island territory, effectively ending any hopes for athletes competing at the Winter Olympics.[1] Alpine skier Kristina Krone qualified to represent the territory at both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Sochi respectively. However, both times the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee refused to even acknowledge her qualification and the territory did not compete.[2] In December 2017, the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee allowed a six-month temporary membership to the Winter Sports Federation, thus allowing the territory to compete at the 2018 Games.[3] Although Charles Flaherty was born in the mainland United States, he has resided in Puerto Rico for several years, which gave him eligibility to compete for the territory.[4]
Political status of Puerto Rico The current political status of Puerto Rico is the result of various political activities within both the United States and Puerto Rican governments. Politically, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, which according to the U.S. Supreme Court's Insular Cases is "a territory appurtenant and belonging to the United States, but not a part of the United States within the revenue clauses of the Constitution."[1][2] The basic question regarding this issue is whether Puerto Rico should remain a U.S. territory, become a U.S. state or become an independent country.