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Michelle Phillips:First let me say that Iditarod 2022 was a real adventure, harsh conditions and endless winds made it a memorable challenge. And I am so very proud of the amazing athletes I had the honor of running with.
This evening as fans are watching the awards ceremony they will learn that my final standing was adjusted. Four mushers made a complaint that I was in violation of rule # 37 and so this was my penalty.Although this is not great news I want folks to understand why, and to know that under the same circumstances I would make the same choice.
On the run between between Koyuk and Elim we were hit by extremely strong winds. Now I have run 21 thousand mile races and have seen a lot of weather. So it is with a great deal of experience I made the decision that these conditions were above and beyond what I was willing to ask my team to travel in. Fortunately when I checked my GPS to monitor our progress I realized we were close to a known shelter cabin. I crossed a drift and was at the cabin. At that point in time there was no hesitation in my mind, my dogs were my only concern. With no natural wind breaks or materials available to shelter them I made what I felt was the best choice for my dog’s welfare in that extreme situation. I unhooked my dogs and put them in the shelter where they could rest and recover safe from the hostile conditions outside. The wind continued to howl and shake the building all night. That confirmed my choice to bring my team in out of the storm. In spite of the consequences I would never hesitate again to do this action. Ed and I stand for dog care and that comes first at Tagish Lake Kennel, and it always will.
We are not letting this take away from our excitement about finishing another Iditarod. And we want to take a minute and say Thank you to all of our sponsors, friends, and family. And also extend our thanks to the many race vets and volunteers who make Iditarod possible. This will be my last Iditarod.
So does Riley get penalized too? He brought dogs inside shelter cabin
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