Appeals of Former Russian Biathletes Rejected: Norway Secures 2014 Olympic Bronze

Appeals of Former Russian Biathletes Rejected: Norway Secures 2014 Olympic Bronze

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially dismissed appeals from former Russian biathletes Yevgenij Ustjugov and Svetlana Sleptsova. This ruling reaffirms Norway's rightful claim to the bronze medal in the men's relay at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

In a significant decision handed down in February 2020, the International Biathlon Union's anti-doping panel invalidated the results of Ustjugov and Sleptsova due to confirmed violations of anti-doping regulations. CAS has now upheld this ruling, confirming that the original findings stand.

As a result, the Norwegian team—comprising Emil Hegle Svendsen, Ole Einar Björndalen, Tarjei Bö, and Johannes Thingnes Bö—will officially receive the bronze medal they initially missed, finishing just shy of the podium in fourth place.

Emil Hegle Svendsen expressed his feelings of relief and happiness, saying, "Honestly, I thought this was sorted out a few years ago. I have never received a medal by post before. Now I get to experience it."

Norway's team leader, Per-Arne Botnan, shared his thoughts on the CAS decision, commenting, "One would wish that these processes moved a bit faster, but new methods are being introduced which could change this in the future. It's a positive outcome, and justice must prevail, but I don’t think we will have a celebration with cake."

With this decision, Germany retains its gold medal and Austria keeps the silver. Additionally, Ustjugov's results from the World Cup that year will also be nullified.