US Figure Skating Statement on CAS Ruling and Olympic Medals Outcome
A statement from the leadership of the US Figure Skating Federation commends the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for its ruling in the Kamila Valieva case. The decision, which disqualified the Russian figure skater for a four-year period starting December 25, 2021, is framed as a reaffirmation of clean competition and the integrity of sport. The federation’s executive leadership emphasized that the ruling supports a level playing field where success is earned through discipline, perseverance, and strict adherence to sport rules, rather than through circumvention of regulations. This perspective is echoed across official federation social channels as part of a broader commitment to fair play. [Citation: CAS decision on Valieva case]
CAS concluded that Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine at the Russian Championships, a finding that was formally established during the 2022 Olympic Games after Russia had achieved a team victory. The ruling carries far-reaching implications for the Olympic team’s medals, with international sport governance agencies set to determine the final allocation of medals in light of the CAS decision. The International Skating Union (ISU) Council is scheduled to deliberate on February 7 to decide how the team event medals will be redistributed if the Russian gold is vacated. The provisional scenario described by observers and officials would see the United States receive gold, Japan silver, and Canada bronze should the Russian team be stripped of their title. [Citation: ISU decision timeline]
In connection with the broader political and legal discourse surrounding the case, officials have noted that the Valieva affair has prompted ongoing scrutiny across federal and international bodies. This context includes discussions within state institutions regarding the accountability of athletes and the governance mechanisms that oversee elite sport. The focus remains on ensuring that competition remains pure and that consequences for doping are consistently applied, regardless of national affiliation or existing standings. [Citation: ISU statements and public record]
Observers point to the importance of rigorous testing, timely results, and transparent adjudication in maintaining public trust in high-level sport. The CAS ruling is presented as a benchmark for upholding the principles of fair play, with supporters highlighting the role of athletes, coaches, and officials who advocate for rigorous standards and adherence to the rules that govern international competition. The discussion continues to center on how sanctions are implemented and how medal reallocations are managed in instance of anti-doping findings. [Citation: CAS procedural guidelines]