U.S. Figure Skating Team To Receive 2022 Beijing Olympics Gold Medals On August 7
The U.S. figure skating team is finally set to receive their Beijing Olympics gold medals on August 7th in Paris, two years after Russian skater Kamila Valieva's doping scandal.
This ceremony at the Paris Olympics Champions Park will honour the American skaters who were originally awarded silver but elevated to gold after the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) was disqualified.
At the 2022 Beijing Games, the ROC initially claimed gold, led by Valieva. However, just a day later, it was revealed that Valieva had tested positive for a banned substance, which led to a lengthy investigation and legal battles.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) eventually ruled in January that Valieva was disqualified and banned until 2025, stripping the ROC of their figure skating gold medals and declaring the U.S. team the rightful winners.
U.S. athletes given opportunity to celebrate
Tracy Marek, CEO of U.S. Figure Skating, expressed pride in the athletes, who include Evan Bates, Karen Chen, Nathan Chen, Madison Chock, Zachary Donohue, Brandon Frazier, Madison Hubbell, Alexa Knierim, and Vincent Zhou.
Marek stated on X, "Over the past 2.5 years, these athletes have conducted themselves with dignity and humility in their fight for clean sport and a level playing field across all Olympic sports."
The ceremony in Paris aims to give the athletes the celebration they missed out on in Beijing. IOC spokesman Mark Adams acknowledged the delay but emphasised the importance of following proper procedures.
"You can never replace the moment of winning or the moment of a victory and the medal allocation during the Games," Adams said, "but I think it was felt and clearly the athletes agree that this is as good a place as any."
Japan to receive silver figure skating medal
Aside from the U.S. team's gold, Japan will receive the silver medal. The ROC, even after Valieva's marks were erased, still had a total score better than Canada, which initially placed fourth. Skate Canada's appeal for the bronze medal remains ongoing.
The legal and procedural delays have been frustrating, but the upcoming ceremony in Paris represents a significant moment for the athletes and their supporters. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the IOC have been commended for their commitment to ensuring that the athletes receive their deserved recognition.
Valieva's case has been a pivotal moment in the fight against doping in sports. Her disqualification serves as a reminder of the importance of clean competition and the impact that doping scandals can have on athletes and their achievements.
The Paris ceremony will not only celebrate the U.S. skaters' victory but also reinforce the values of fair play and integrity in sports. As Marek concluded, "We are elated that these athletes will be rightfully celebrated as gold medalists in Paris, receiving the Olympic moment they were denied at Beijing 2022."
