U.S. Figure Skating ‘deeply frustrated’ by medal delay stemming from doping case involving Russian skater

U.S. Figure Skating is still waiting for the medals won in the team event at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) continues to look into the case of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, and US figure skating has begun to lose patience waiting for a decision.

On Thursday, US Figure Skating releases statement which says the team is “disappointed” with how long the process has taken. The organization called on the world anti-doping authorities to make a decision so that US Olympians can be officially recognized for their achievements.

“As we approach the anniversary of the 2022 Winter Olympics, US Figure Skating and its athletes are deeply disappointed by the lack of a final decision in the team event,” US Figure Skating said in a statement. “We are very proud of the way our Olympic medalists have behaved in a balanced and dignified manner since they won medals in Beijing. They have long deserved recognition, which was not due to the ongoing process. US Figure Skating requires a fair and proper decision. by right to award medals to all clean sports athletes affected by this situation.”

In December 2021, Valieva tested positive for traces of trimetazidine, but the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) allowed the 15-year-old Valieva to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Valieva and her compatriots won gold in the team event, while the United States won silver.

Depending on the outcome of the current case, the United States may receive the gold medal retroactively.

In his further investigation into the Valieva case, RUSADA found that it had “no fault or negligence” in the current situation.. Valieva said the tainted sample came from heart medication her grandfather was taking.

WADA stated that it was “concerned” by RUSADA’s findings and offered to appeal the decision.