CAS Rejects Russia’s Appeal Over 2022 Figure Skating Medals

CAS (The Court of Arbitration for Sport) dismissed Russia’s appeal against the reallocation of the 2022 Olympic team figure skating medals. The International Skating Union (ISU) downgraded Russia from gold to bronze. This decision followed Kamila Valieva, now 18, receiving a four-year doping ban. Valieva, who competed as a member of Russia’s winning team in Beijing, led to the downgrade of her team’s gold medal.

Russia appealed the decision which promoted the United States to gold and Japan to silver. However, CAS upheld the disqualification of Valieva’s results. “Following the hearing that took place on 12 June 2024, the panel deliberated and concluded that the results of Ms Valieva in the Olympic figure skating team event were correctly disqualified,” CAS stated. Consequently, “the above-mentioned appeals are dismissed.”

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) reacted with extreme disappointment. They indicated that they would consider further action to defend the rights of Russian athletes. The ROC stated, “We harbored no illusions over this matter, as has been the case in similar cases and appeals launched by the Russian side over nearly three years.”

Meanwhile, Canada lodged an appeal, arguing that they should receive the bronze following Valieva’s disqualification. CAS has yet to decide on Canada’s appeal, and the outcome will determine if Canada receives the bronze medal. The controversy began when Valieva, then 15, tested positive for a banned substance trimetazidine during the Winter Games in Beijing.

This positive test overshadowed her remarkable performances and led to an ongoing legal and administrative battle. The ISU’s decision to strip Russia of gold supports strict anti-doping measures and promotes fair competition. Ultimately, Russia’s disqualification highlights ongoing struggles and controversies in competitive sports, particularly regarding doping violations.

These issues continuously impact athletes and national standings. The controversy underscores the broader challenges in enforcing fair competition and upholding integrity in sports.