The Court of Arbitration for Sport has rejected Canada’s appeal that the ISU award bronze to the Maple Leaf in the team figure skating event at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Russia won gold even though one of their team members, Kamila Valieva, was sanctioned for doping.
Canada finished fourth in this discipline.
Valieva tested positive for a banned heart drug in a sample obtained before the Games.
Her disqualification stripped Valieva of the maximum 10 points in each of her two events, but it still gave Russia one more point than fourth-place Canada in the revised standings.
Skate Canada had the following reaction, in a press release.
“Skate Canada respects the CAS decision regarding the awarding of medals for the figure skating team event at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games.
“While we are disappointed that the decision does not award Canada the bronze medal, we support the efforts and performances of our athletes. Their dedication, resilience and sportsmanship throughout this process exemplify the spirit of Canadian figure skating.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to the gold and silver medal-winning teams from the United States and Japan. Their exceptional performances are truly commendable and we celebrate their achievements alongside the global skating community.”
Skate Canada added this:
“(We will continue) to focus on athlete development, doping-free sport and promoting the values of excellence, respect and fairness in figure skating.”
The Canadian Olympic Committee also reacted.
“The COC is disappointed with the decision. We believe, in accordance with ISU rules, that the points should have been re-awarded, and it is unfortunate that CAS did not reach the same conclusion.
“We congratulate the Team Canada figure skaters who have navigated this long process with grace and we admire their performance on and off the ice.”