U.S. figure skaters file appeal to get team medals before Beijing Olympics end

The US figure skating team has filed an appeal to have their Olympic silver medals awarded before the end of the Beijing Games, with a decision expected as soon as Saturday night.

The Associated Press was told by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that it was hearing the case in Beijing and expected a quick ruling.

Attorneys for the skaters sent a letter to the IOC before the closing ceremony, which was obtained by the AP.

The Russian team won the team event last week, while the U.S. finished second. The 15-year-old skater had a positive test. The International Olympic Committee said it would not award medals in any events in which she finished among the top three.

She was criticized by her coach after a mistake-filled long program after she finished fourth in the women's event.

The team event was held the previous week. The Russians won by a large margin. Canada was fourth and Japan was third.

The letter sent on behalf of the American runners-up says that the IOC's own rules require a victory ceremony to follow the conclusion of each sports event.

In a meeting with the skaters earlier this week, IOC President Thomas Bach offered them Olympic torches as a souvenir while the case is pending.

The attorneys wrote a letter to the IOC saying they hoped the IOC would reconsider but that they were filing the appeal because of the urgent nature of the situation.

Ramsey Baker, the executive director of the U.S. Figure Skating, sent a statement to the AP in support of the skaters.

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.

The letter to the IOC president was sent by an attorney who represents athletes in cases against Olympic authorities.

A dignified medal ceremony from our clients vantage point is one in the Medals Plaza as originally planned and afforded to all other medalists, he wrote.

Russia's anti-doping agency put Valieva on a suspension after her test became public. The IOC and World Anti-Doping Agency appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which said Valieva could still compete.

The bigger question about the result from the team competition was not solved by that.

If the Russians are disqualified because of the Valieva case, the Americans will get a second-place prize or a gold medal.

Valieva is a protected person under anti-doping rules, and is not expected to receive a harsh penalty. Russian and world anti-doping authorities are investigating her coaches and doctors.