Canada Denied Bronze Medal in 2022 Olympic Figure Skating
Court Ruling Upholds Disqualification of Russian Skater
Appeal to CAS Fails to Sway Decision
Canada's hopes of a bronze medal in the 2022 Olympic team figure skating event have been dashed after a court ruling. In a statement released after a final appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the International Skating Union's (ISU) decision to disqualify Russian skater Kamila Valieva from the event due to a positive drug test.
The decision means that the original results of the event will stand, with the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) retaining its gold medal. The United States will keep their silver medal, while Japan holds onto the bronze.
Canada's disappointment was evident in a statement released by Skate Canada, the sport's governing body in the country. "We are incredibly disappointed with the CAS ruling," the statement read. "We believe that our athletes deserved to be awarded the bronze medal and we will continue to fight for their rights."
The ISU's decision to disqualify Valieva was based on the results of a drug test taken by the skater on December 25, 2021, which revealed the presence of banned substance trimetazidine in her system. The ISU deemed that Valieva had violated its anti-doping regulations and subsequently disqualified her from the event.
Valieva's disqualification set off a series of appeals and legal challenges, including an appeal to CAS by Canada. However, the CAS panel ultimately decided to uphold the ISU's decision, concluding that there were insufficient grounds to overturn it.
With the CAS ruling now final, the 2022 Olympic figure skating medal standings remain unchanged. The ROC retains its gold, the United States keeps their silver, and Japan remains in bronze position. Canada's quest for an Olympic medal in the team event remains unfulfilled.
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