Canada fail in appeal for medal after Valieva doping ban

Kamila Valieva, then aged 15, tested positive for banned heart medication trimetazidine in December 2021

Canada have failed in an appeal to be awarded a bronze medal from the 2022 Winter Olympic team figure skating event.

Russia were dropped from gold to bronze in the competition by the International Skating Union (ISU) after Kamila Valieva, 18, received a four-year ban for doping.

The United States were promoted to gold with Japan taking silver.

Despite the removal of Valieva's marks, the ISU said Russia's total score at the Beijing Games was a point higher than fourth-placed Canada.

Canada disputed the decision but the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled against them.

"While we are disappointed that the ruling does not award Canada the bronze medal, we stand by the efforts and performances of our athletes," said a Skate Canada statement.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the gold and silver medallists, the United States and Japan."

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said it was disappointed with the CAS decision and believed the points should have been reallocated following Valieva's doping sanction.

"It is unfortunate that the CAS did not agree," the COC said. "We applaud Team Canada's figure skaters for having endured this lengthy process with grace, and we admire them for their performance on and off the ice."

The International Olympic Committee said it had "taken note of the CAS ruling and will respect the decision".

The US team are scheduled to receive their gold medals for the event on Wednesday at Paris 2024.