After allegedly testing positive for a banned substance before the Beijing Olympics, Russian adolescent figure skater Kamila Valieva was authorized to compete in the 2022 Olympics on Monday.
The resolution of the scandal elicited passionate emotions from all corners of the sporting world. The Russians complimented the young skater, who will compete in the Olympics throughout the week.
The Russian sports minister, Oleg Matytsin, noted that the CAS arbitrators participating in the appeal acted with integrity and professionalism, carefully considering all of the facts of the case.
Other nations’ and athletes’ reactions, on the other hand, were significantly more divisive. In a statement, US Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland expressed disappointment with the decision and chastised Russia for what looks to be a repeat transgression.
Travis Tygart, the CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), echoed the opinion, adding that Russia had hijacked the competition and stolen the spotlight from clean athletes and the general public.
Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned heart medicine, in December, with the result being noticed just six weeks after the test was done in Russia. The ROC had already won gold in the team skating event, a feat to which Valieva played a key role.
Valieva’s competition was temporarily suspended by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, and the team event’s medal ceremony was postponed. If the Russians are allowed to keep the medals, a second investigation will be conducted.
Valieva has been authorized to compete in the remaining events this week, including the women’s solo event, in which she is a major favorite. If she finishes in the top three, though, there will be no medal ceremony.
