CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy – Italy’s skip Stefania Constantini on Tuesday dedicated her mixed doubles bronze medal to former teammate Angela Romei, who was excluded from the women’s team ahead of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Romei, replaced by the Italian national team technical director’s daughter Rebecca Mariani, had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn her exclusion, alleging favoritism. Her appeal was dismissed by the highest court in international sport on Sunday.

After defeating Britain to claim the bronze medal alongside Amos Mosaner, Constantini went to the stands at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium to hug Romei, who was commentating on the match.

“Throughout the whole week, my best friend and teammate Angela Romei commentated on our matches,” Constantini told reporters. “I would have liked to share next week’s Olympic experience with her, but that won’t be the case. I will carry her in my heart. That gesture was meant to dedicate my victory not only to my boyfriend and my family, but also to her. She supported me from start to finish.”

Italy will begin their next campaign with a round-robin match against Switzerland on Thursday.

“For our team, [Romei’s exclusion] was a moment to remember. But we are ready, and we recognize the importance of this major event,” the 26-year-old said. “Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to test the ice together, and we will certainly come together again as a group at the end of the competition.”

The Italian federation defended Mariani’s inclusion, describing it as a “technical” decision.

-Reporting by Aadi Nair; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters