US figure skaters appeal to have medal ceremony before end of Games

The US figure skating team has filed an appeal to have their silver medals awarded before the conclusion of the Beijing Winter Games.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed to The Associated Press that it was hearing the case brought by the US figure skaters on Saturday in Beijing.

The AP obtained a copy of the letter the US figure skating team sent to International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, with lawyers for the athletes asking for a ruling before the closing ceremony on Sunday.

The team medal ceremony was postponed after Russian skater Kamila Valieva’s positive doping test was disclosed during the Games. The 15-year-old led the ROC to gold in the team event, which is now in question after Valieva’s positive test for a banned substance was uncovered.

While the CAS permitted Valieva to participate in the Olympics following her positive test, the IOC said it would not award medals in any competitions which she finished in podium position as they wait for her case to resolve.

US Figure Skating executive director Ramsey Baker sent a statement to the AP, supporting the skaters’ petition for a ceremony.

“Having a medal ceremony at an Olympic Games is not something that can be replicated anywhere else, and they should be celebrated in front of the world before leaving Beijing,” Baker said.

The United States finished second in the team event, with the ROC winning the competition handily. Japan came third, while Canada finished fourth.