Andrea Davidovich wants to leave the Isreali Ice Skating Federation and compete for America.
HACKENSACK -- A court ruling has cast doubt on whether an Olympic ice skater can compete for the United States.
An appeals court says Andrea Davidovich must wait for the International Skating Union to decide whether she can skate for the U.S. Andrea "Anya" Davidovich, 19, and partner Evgeni Krasnopolski represented Israel at pairs skating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
The two went on a Cinderella run to 15th place. After the competition, Kransopolski severed the partnership, and Davidovich sought a release from the Isreali Ice Skating Federation so she could compete with the United States Figure Skating Association.
Davidovich holds dual United States-Isreali citizenship and lives in Livingston. The IISF has resisted releasing Davidovich to skate for the U.S., arguing that it sets a bad precedent for other skaters it has trained.
A Bergen County judge issued a ruling in August compelling the IISF to release Davidovich. But an Appellate panel, in a June 23 decision, overturned the ruling, saying that Davidovich should have gone through the sport's governing body, the Switzerland-based International Skating Union, before turning to the courts.
Ice skater was 'held hostage' by federation
The appellate court ordered Davidovich in January to find a solution through the ISU, but she had no success, appellate opinion said. However, the ISU changed its rules in June to say a skater's request to be released from her federation "shall not be unreasonably denied" after a 12-month waiting period. Soon after, the United States Figure Skating Association petitioned for her release.
In an opinion written by Judge Jack Sabatino, the court said it would defer to the ISU's authority. The ISU did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Brian Spector, the attorney for the IISF, said his clients were "very pleased with the ruling."
Stuart Slotnick, one of the attorneys representing Davidovich, said he was optimistic that the ISU would release her.
"Ms. Davidovich is really hopeful and appreciative that the United States has asked for her release," he said.
Davidovich has been unable to compete internationally for more than 3 years in a sport where careers are usually short, Slotnick said. The ISU is expected to rule by September.
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.