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ALEXA KNIERIM, ASIA, BEIJING, CHAMPIONS PARK, CHINA, EIFFEL TOWER, EUROPE, FRANCE, GYMNASTICS, INTERNATIONAL SKATING FEDERATION, ISU, JAPAN, KAM, KAMILA VALIEVA, NORTH AMERICA, OLYMPIC GAMES, OLYMPICS, PARALYMPICS, PARIS, ROC, UNITED STATES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNITED STATES OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE, USA, USOPC, VINCENT ZHOU
Nia Simpson
Celebration of Olympic Figure Skaters at Paris 2024 Medal Ceremony
The medal ceremony for the Beijing 2022 figure skating team event took place at Paris 2024, awarding the USA gold and Japan silver medals. Delayed due to legal challenges surrounding Kamila Valieva’s disqualification, the event allowed 16 athletes to finally celebrate their achievements before enthusiastic crowds. The ceremony emphasized the emotional significance of family support and team unity in the skaters’ Olympic journey, concluding with confirmed rankings by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
During a ceremony at Champions Park in Paris 2024, figure skaters from the United States and Japan were awarded their gold and silver Olympic medals for the team event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. This event, attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 13,000, provided an opportunity for the skaters to celebrate informally in the iconic setting of Paris, near the Eiffel Tower.
The medal presentation was delayed due to legal issues stemming from Kamila Valieva’s disqualification during the Beijing Games. IOC Member Jae Youl Kim, alongside Martin Fourcade, who is also an IOC Member and five-time Olympic gold medalist, presented the medals to the skaters.
The athletes expressed their excitement and gratitude for this memorable moment. Vincent Zhou from Team USA noted, “Being at the foot of the Eiffel Tower was more than I could have asked for; it was incredible.” Meanwhile, Tim Koleto from Japan emphasized the special nature of the ceremony as a celebration with family and friends.
USA’s Alexa Knierim reflected on the emotional impact of the ceremony, stating, “Receiving these medals in front of our family and friends was very important.” Karen Chen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the joy of sharing this moment as a team.
The ISU President Kim remarked on the honor of presenting the medals, expressing relief that the athletes finally received the recognition they deserved. Martin Fourcade shared his emotional connection to the athletes during their journey to this moment, emphasizing its significance.
The final rankings for the medals were confirmed following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which determined that Team USA would receive gold, Japan silver, and the ROC would be awarded bronze despite being suspended. This conclusion allowed for the medals to be presented to the deserving athletes.
The awarding of Olympic medals to figure skaters from the USA and Japan at the Paris 2024 Champions Park was a momentous occasion, finally recognizing their achievements from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Amid legal hurdles, the long-awaited ceremony not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the emotional connections formed through family support, teamwork, and community. The conclusion of this event marks a significant milestone for these athletes in their Olympic journey.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
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