U.S. figure skaters lose appeal to receive medals before Olympics conclude

This means members of the American team will receive their medals in the mail, and it could be months, if not years before they arrive.

The medals are being held up due to the ongoing debacle over 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valieva failing a drug test prior to the Winter Games in Beijing. Valieva was still allowed to compete, but investigations into the matter are expected to continue, which would further delay skaters from other teams receiving their medals.

"We’re disappointed in the decision. It’s unfortunate that these deserving athletes will leave Beijing without their medals," U.S. Figure Skating executive director Ramsey Baker said, via The Associated Press. "We are proud of the historic accomplishments of our team and we look forward to joining them, their families and friends, and the entire United States in celebrating their achievements from these Olympic Games."

U.S. skater Brandon Frazier said Saturday the IOC "should have a ceremony for the clean athletes that delivered. They deserve that."

The IOC has come under extreme heat for allowing Valieva to compete. While rules stipulate Valieva wouldn't be punished as harshly because she is a minor, there is widespread criticism for the ROC as a team not being properly punished, especially since Russia is still serving a ban from the Games for a far-reaching doping scandal.

Valieva fell during her performance in the women's free skate and did not medal.