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Ekaterina Guliyev CAS Appeal Dismissed: 2012 Olympic Medal to be Stripped.

Ekaterina Guliyev CAS appeal has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), resulting in the confirmation of a four-year doping ban and disqualification of her Olympic silver medal from London 2012. The decision, based on new evidence from the McLaren and LIMS investigations, found that Guliyev used prohibited substances as part of a state-backed doping scheme. This landmark ruling enables reallocation of medals and reinforces CAS’s authority to adjudicate historical violations based on fresh evidence.

Ekaterina Guliyev CAS Appeal Dismissed: Olympic Silver Medal to Be Revoked

In a landmark decision, the Ekaterina Guliyev CAS appeal has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), resulting in the upholding of a four-year ban imposed on the Russian-born middle-distance runner for anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs). This ruling has significant consequences for Guliyev, including the annulment of her Olympic silver medal from the women’s 800m event at the London 2012 Games and the disqualification of all results achieved over a two-year period.

Background of the Ekaterina Guliyev CAS Appeal

The Ekaterina Guliyev CAS appeal stems from new evidence uncovered during the McLaren and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) investigations, which exposed widespread doping and data manipulation within the Russian athletics system. The investigations revealed that Guliyev, previously known as Ekaterina Poistogova, had used two prohibited anabolic substances—androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione (ATD) and boldenone—shortly before and during the 2012 Olympics.

CAS found that the administration of these substances was part of a sophisticated and systematic doping scheme that offered sustained benefits. The Panel concluded that Guliyev had committed an anti-doping rule violation under Rule 32.2 of the 2012 IAAF Competition Rules.

Originally a bronze medallist in the 800m at the London Games, Guliyev had been promoted to silver in 2017 following the disqualification of her teammate, Mariya Savinova. With this latest ruling, Caster Semenya (South Africa) is now expected to be declared the gold medallist, Pamela Jelimo (Kenya) will receive silver, and Alysia Montaño (USA) the bronze.

Panel’s Findings and Disqualification of Results

In dismissing the Ekaterina Guliyev CAS appeal, the CAS panel found that the present proceedings were based on new and credible evidence which had not been addressed in Guliyev’s prior 2016 sanction. The Panel expressly rejected any claim of double jeopardy or violation of procedural safeguards. It noted aggravating circumstances, including the organised nature of the doping programme and the long-term performance advantage gained by the athlete.

Accordingly, CAS ordered the disqualification of all results obtained by Guliyev between 17.07.2012 and 20.10.2014, including performances at the following competitions:

Düsseldorf International (February 2013)
Birmingham Aviva Indoor Grand Prix (February 2013)
Oslo Bislett Games (June 2013)
Rabat International Meeting (June 2013)
Zagreb IAAF World Challenge (September 2013)
European Team Championships (June 2014)
Athletissima Lausanne (July 2014 – runner-up finish)

World Athletics has commenced the process of updating official records and will formally notify the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reallocate medals accordingly.

Jurisdictional Challenge Rejected

One of the key arguments raised in the Ekaterina Guliyev CAS appeal was that World Athletics lacked jurisdiction to reopen a matter previously resolved in 2016. Guliyev asserted that the current case was an unlawful attempt to revisit previously adjudicated issues.

However, the CAS panel held that the present charges were based on a distinct evidentiary foundation that became available only after the prior proceedings had concluded. Therefore, the panel concluded that there was no procedural or legal bar to pursuing a fresh violation based on new evidence.

Press Release | Athletics Integrity Unit Decision

Reaction from the Athletics Integrity Unit

David Howman, Chair of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), welcomed the decision, stating:

“Our commitment to concluding these cases sends a resolute message that athletes who cheat will be held accountable—even years later. This should be a reminder to potential dopers that there are significant consequences to their actions once they are caught.”

His remarks reflect the growing global commitment to addressing historical doping violations through collaborative investigative and adjudicatory mechanisms.

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Conclusion

The dismissal of the Ekaterina Guliyev CAS appeal is a significant milestone in international anti-doping enforcement. It confirms the authority of CAS and World Athletics to act upon newly discovered, credible evidence and apply sanctions retroactively when warranted.

The ruling serves not only to correct the record but also to deliver long-overdue recognition to clean athletes whose rightful achievements were denied by doping. With the IOC now moving toward reallocation of medals, the case underscores the enduring importance of procedural fairness, integrity in sport, and accountability—no matter how many years have passed.