A Russian teen accused of doping has been cleared to compete in figure skating at the Winter Olympics.

Kamila Valieva had failed a test for a banned substance, raising questions over whether she would be allowed to take part in her next event on Tuesday.

A sample from the 15-year-old was taken on Christmas Day – and on 8 February, it returned positive for trimetazidine, a heart medication.

A separate investigation led by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency will determine whether the Russian skaters can keep the gold team medal they won with Valieva’s help.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport cited “exceptional circumstances” for its decision, including Valieva’s status as a “protected person” under the World Anti-Doping Code and “serious issues” in the “untimely” process of notifying her of her result.

The definition of a “protected person” includes athletes who have not yet turned 16 at the time of a doping violation.

The court also said preventing her from competing in the Games would cause her “irreparable harm”.

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The court upheld a decision by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency to lift her provisional doping suspension – which had been appealed by the International Olympic Committee, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Skating Union.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said it is “disappointed” by the message the ruling sends.

“Athletes have the right to know they are competing on a level playing field,” said chief executive Sarah Hirshland.

“Unfortunately, today that right is being denied.

“This appears to be another chapter in the systemic and pervasive disregard for clean sport by Russia.”

If the Russian figure skating medal is revoked, the US would be in line for gold, having won silver in the competition.

Valieva will now compete in the women’s single event on Tuesday – an event for which she is a favourite for gold.

Her positive doping test was only revealed last week after her medal win.

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