The Russian anti-doping agency did not give Kamila Valieva a penalty, because according to it, the figure skater did not violate doping rules before the Beijing Olympics.
Figure skater Kamila Valieva, 16, gave a positive doping sample at the Russian championships on December 25, 2021, but he did not violate doping rules, states the Russian anti-doping agency Rusada. Valieva’s doping sample found, for example, trimetazidine, used for dizziness and heart problems, which can improve blood circulation and endurance.
Rusada has not announced its decision, but has made the information public World Anti-Doping Agency Wada (you will switch to another service).
Valieva’s doping saga rocked the Beijing Olympics, as the Russian skater’s official test result was not published until February 8, 2022. At that time, Valieva had already skated in the team competition at the Beijing Olympics and helped the Russian Olympic team to victory.
Valieva was temporarily suspended by Wada. The skater challenged the decision and Rusada revoked the ban and finally the International Court of Appeal for Sports (CAS) gave Valieva the right to compete in Beijing singles. Valieva, who was only 15 years old at the time of the Games, fell to fourth place in this competition.
In the fall, several media reported that Valieva’s case had been resolved, because according to sources, Rusada had confirmed the doping scandal. However, this did not happen.
According to Rusada’s investigations, Valieva did not violate or neglect doping rules and did not make a mistake. Because of this, Valieva will not receive any punishment other than losing her December result.
Wada has applied for a four-year suspension for Valieva and is not going to give up. Wada said in a statement that it is very concerned by Rusada’s decision and will likely appeal to the international appeals court for sport, CAS.
The team medals for figure skating at the Beijing Olympics have still not been confirmed. If the Russian Olympic Committee team is disqualified, the United States will emerge victorious, Japan second and Canada third.
Sources: AP, Reuters, AFP