Gold medal for US skaters

UNITED States Olympic chiefs are eager to push ahead with long-overdue gold medal celebrations after figure skater Kamila Valieva was found guilty of doping at 2022 Beijing Games, thus removing Russia as winners of the team event.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday banned teenager Valieva for four years for doping, effective from December 2021, stripping the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) of its gold medal and elevating the US to top spot on the podium.

Japan moves up a step to silver and it was thought that Canada, who finished fourth in the event, would be promoted to bronze. However, the International Skating Union (ISU) said on Tuesday the ROC’s total score even after Valieva’s marks were erased was still a point better than the Canadians.

Skate Canada said is it considering appealing the ISU’s decision while the ROC has already confirmed it will appeal on the CAS ruling both of which could further delay the awarding of medals.

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralymic (USOPC) acknowledged the appeals during a conference call on Tuesday but was already looking into where and when US skaters would get their gold.

“There are some appeals available to the Swiss tribunal which is a procedural appeal,” said Hirshland. “We have a high degree of confidence, and I have been given very clear directions, that we should proceed in awarding medals to the United States team and that’s what we are going to do.

“Regardless (of appeals) there is no scenario at this point in which Team USA is not the gold medal winners.

“Everyone has a sense of urgency and there is no reason for any delay.”