The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) will still win a medal from the controversial figure skating team event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics after they were demoted from gold to bronze after the disqualification of Kamila Valieva. It was assumed that Canada, who finished fourth, would be promoted to bronze, but Russia's total score even after Valieva's marks were erased was still a point better than the Canadians, the International Skating Union announced on Tuesday.

Valieva received a four-year doping ban on Monday, effective from December 2021, stripping the ROC of its gold medal in the team event nearly two years after the competition. In its long-awaited ruling, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) found Valieva, aged 15 at the time, guilty of committing an anti-doping rule violation that rattled the Beijing Olympics and frustrated competitors who are still waiting for their medals from the event to be allocated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/skating-russias-kamila-valieva-handed-four-year-ban-for-doping-roc-loses-olympic-gold-684865">Skating: Russia’s Kamila Valieva handed four-year ban for doping, Olympic gold could go to US</a>

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No medals were awarded in the event at Beijing. The final scores have the United States bumped up to gold with 65 points, with Japan winning silver with 63 and Russia taking bronze with 54, edging Canada by a point.

<h2>WADA reacts to Valieva's ban</h2>

After the decision, the World Anti-Doping Agency reacted to the development and said in a statement, "The doping of children is unforgivable. "WADA encourages governments to consider passing legislation -- as some have done already -- making the doping of minors a criminal offense," it added.

With the latest judgement, it has all gone downhill for Valieva who will stay away from action till 2028 -- robbing her of potentially earning more accolades.&nbsp;

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) will still win a medal from the controversial figure skating team event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics after they were demoted from gold to bronze after the disqualification of Kamila Valieva.

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) will still win a medal from the controversial figure skating team event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics after they were demoted from gold to bronze after the disqualification of Kamila Valieva. It was assumed that Canada, who finished fourth, would be promoted to bronze, but Russia's total score even after Valieva's marks were erased was still a point better than the Canadians, the International Skating Union announced on Tuesday. Valieva received a four-year doping ban on Monday, effective from December 2021, stripping the ROC of its gold medal in the team event nearly two years after the competition. In its long-awaited ruling, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) found Valieva, aged 15 at the time, guilty of committing an anti-doping rule violation that rattled the Beijing Olympics and frustrated competitors who are still waiting for their medals from the event to be allocated. Also read: Skating: Russia’s Kamila Valieva handed four-year ban for doping, Olympic gold could go to US × × No medals were awarded in the event at Beijing. The final scores have the United States bumped up to gold with 65 points, with Japan winning silver with 63 and Russia taking bronze with 54, edging Canada by a point. WADA reacts to Valieva's ban After the decision, the World Anti-Doping Agency reacted to the development and said in a statement, "The doping of children is unforgivable. "WADA encourages governments to consider passing legislation -- as some have done already -- making the doping of minors a criminal offense," it added. With the latest judgement, it has all gone downhill for Valieva who will stay away from action till 2028 -- robbing her of potentially earning more accolades.

Russia dropped to bronze in 2022 Olympic skating event after Kamila Valieva doping ban

Ukrainian biathlete Anastasiia Laletina was forced to pull out of the middle distance sitting event at the Beijing Winter Paralympics on Tuesday after her father was captured by Russian forces, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian paralympic committee told Reuters.

Laletina's father is a soldier in the Ukrainian army. The spokesperson said they had no further details on his capture.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, which Moscow describes as a "special operation" to disarm the country, prompted the International Paralympic Committee to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games.

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Belarus has been a key staging area for Russian troops.

The spokesperson said that the 19-year-old Laletina was still in Zhangjiakou -- the venue for the cross-country skiing and biathlon events -- and will fly out to Poland with the rest of contingent at the end of the Games.

Despite the initial uncertainty around their participation, Ukraine continued to collect medals at the Games on Wednesday by winning a silver and bronze in cross-country skiing.

They are third in the table behind hosts China and Canada.

Ukrainian biathlete Anastasiia Laletina was forced to pull out of the middle distance sitting event at the Beijing Winter Paralympics on Tuesday after her father was captured by Russian forces, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian paralympic committee told Reuters.

Ukrainian biathlete Anastasiia Laletina was forced to pull out of the middle distance sitting event at the Beijing Winter Paralympics on Tuesday after her father was captured by Russian forces, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian paralympic committee told Reuters. Laletina's father is a soldier in the Ukrainian army. The spokesperson said they had no further details on his capture. Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, which Moscow describes as a "special operation" to disarm the country, prompted the International Paralympic Committee to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Ravindra Jadeja becomes No.1 all-rounder after dream run in SL series opener Belarus has been a key staging area for Russian troops. The spokesperson said that the 19-year-old Laletina was still in Zhangjiakou -- the venue for the cross-country skiing and biathlon events -- and will fly out to Poland with the rest of contingent at the end of the Games. Despite the initial uncertainty around their participation, Ukraine continued to collect medals at the Games on Wednesday by winning a silver and bronze in cross-country skiing. They are third in the table behind hosts China and Canada.

Beijing Paralympics: Ukrainian biathlete Laletina pulls out of event after father captured by Russian forces

Russia's contingent at the Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing plan to leave China after being banned from participating because of the country's invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) said on Friday.

The RPC added that it would not appeal the decision to ban its athletes to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following legal advice.

Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from the Winter Paralympics by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday after initially being allowed to compete as neutrals.

Belarus has been a key staging area for the full-scale invasion Russia launched on Ukraine a week ago.

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Russian news agency TASS had reported that Russia was planning to challenge the IPC's decision at CAS, but its Paralympic Committee said on Friday that it was prevented from doing so by the IPC's rules.

Article 2.9 of the IPC rules for the Games gives the international governing body the discretion to "refuse any athlete entry, without indication of grounds."

The IPC's constitution also does not contain an arbitration clause that would allow for an application to CAS to resolve disputes, the RPC added.

"The Russian Paralympic Committee and its athletes currently do not consider it possible or expedient to stay in Beijing and are planning to leave the Winter Games capital, the city of wonderful people, in the near future," the governing body said.

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Russians competing as neutrals won 24 medals four years ago in Pyeongchang and they were set to field a 71-member team for the Games in Beijing while Belarus had 12 athletes.

Belarus's Olympic committee did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Russia's contingent at the Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing plan to leave China after being banned from participating because of the country's invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) said on Friday.

Russia's contingent at the Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing plan to leave China after being banned from participating because of the country's invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) said on Friday. The RPC added that it would not appeal the decision to ban its athletes to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following legal advice. Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from the Winter Paralympics by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday after initially being allowed to compete as neutrals. Belarus has been a key staging area for the full-scale invasion Russia launched on Ukraine a week ago. ALSO READ: Indian batters have a scope for improvement in tackling spin: Gambhir on Kohli, Mayank's dismissal Russian news agency TASS had reported that Russia was planning to challenge the IPC's decision at CAS, but its Paralympic Committee said on Friday that it was prevented from doing so by the IPC's rules. Article 2.9 of the IPC rules for the Games gives the international governing body the discretion to "refuse any athlete entry, without indication of grounds." The IPC's constitution also does not contain an arbitration clause that would allow for an application to CAS to resolve disputes, the RPC added. "The Russian Paralympic Committee and its athletes currently do not consider it possible or expedient to stay in Beijing and are planning to leave the Winter Games capital, the city of wonderful people, in the near future," the governing body said. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant misses out on his hundred as India post 357/6 on Day 1 of 1st Test against Sri Lanka Russians competing as neutrals won 24 medals four years ago in Pyeongchang and they were set to field a 71-member team for the Games in Beijing while Belarus had 12 athletes. Belarus's Olympic committee did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Winter Paralympics: Russian contingent to leave Beijing after deciding against appeal

Having braved bombs and gunfire, Ukraine's athletes have made it safely to Beijing ahead of the Winter Paralympics that begin on Friday, in what Ukrainian paralympic committee president Valeriy Sushkevych described as a miracle.

Ukraine has been under siege following an invasion by Russia, which prompted the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games after earlier allowing them to compete as neutrals.

Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion.

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"Not coming here would have been taking the easy option... Our presence at the Paralympics is not merely a presence, this is a sign that Ukraine is and will remain a country," Sushkevych told reporters on Thursday.

The enormous challenge to get to Beijing meant that Sushkevych, a member of Ukraine's parliament, had to sleep on the floor of a bus for two days, while other members of the delegation escaped missiles to get out of the country.

"More than four days and four nights we (took to) come here," he added.

"It's a miracle that we're here... A part of our team was already abroad. A part of our team was in Ukraine. All the necessary equipment was in Ukraine... We had to unite all those parts," he said.

"It is 25 years I am president of the national paralympic committee of the Ukraine. And never was it so difficult, so heavy to come to the Paralympic Games."

Ukraine have been a formidable presence at the Winter Games in the past, bagging 22 medals including seven golds in Pyeongchang four years ago.

The country's 20-strong contingent, accompanied by nine guides, will feature in the biathlon and cross-country skiing, with some athletes already hitting the slopes in Zhangjiakou ahead of the two events.

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Asked whether the team would be able to go home at the end of the Games given the situation in Ukraine, Sushkevych said he wasn't sure.

"I don't know... going back home is not simple. I hope the international community takes a real step during the Paralympics to stop this war."

Having braved bombs and gunfire, Ukraine's athletes have made it safely to Beijing ahead of the Winter Paralympics that begin on Friday, in what Ukrainian paralympic committee president Valeriy Sushkevych described as a miracle.

Having braved bombs and gunfire, Ukraine's athletes have made it safely to Beijing ahead of the Winter Paralympics that begin on Friday, in what Ukrainian paralympic committee president Valeriy Sushkevych described as a miracle. Ukraine has been under siege following an invasion by Russia, which prompted the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games after earlier allowing them to compete as neutrals. Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion. ALSO READ: Belarus clubs and national team banned from playing at home in UEFA competitions amid Ukraine crisis "Not coming here would have been taking the easy option... Our presence at the Paralympics is not merely a presence, this is a sign that Ukraine is and will remain a country," Sushkevych told reporters on Thursday. The enormous challenge to get to Beijing meant that Sushkevych, a member of Ukraine's parliament, had to sleep on the floor of a bus for two days, while other members of the delegation escaped missiles to get out of the country. "More than four days and four nights we (took to) come here," he added. "It's a miracle that we're here... A part of our team was already abroad. A part of our team was in Ukraine. All the necessary equipment was in Ukraine... We had to unite all those parts," he said. "It is 25 years I am president of the national paralympic committee of the Ukraine. And never was it so difficult, so heavy to come to the Paralympic Games." Ukraine have been a formidable presence at the Winter Games in the past, bagging 22 medals including seven golds in Pyeongchang four years ago. The country's 20-strong contingent, accompanied by nine guides, will feature in the biathlon and cross-country skiing, with some athletes already hitting the slopes in Zhangjiakou ahead of the two events. ALSO READ: No Russian Grand Prix in future as Formula One terminates contract in wake of Ukraine crisis Asked whether the team would be able to go home at the end of the Games given the situation in Ukraine, Sushkevych said he wasn't sure. "I don't know... going back home is not simple. I hope the international community takes a real step during the Paralympics to stop this war."

'It's a miracle that we're here': Ukraine team arrives safely in Beijing ahead of Winter Paralympics

Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday, despite calls to ban them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week recommended that sports federations suspend teams and athletes from the two countries but added that they could compete as neutrals if time or legal constraints prevented their removal.

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"They will compete under the Paralympic flag and not be included in the medal table," the IPC said in a statement.

"In deciding what action to take, the Board was guided by the IPC's core principles, which include a commitment to political neutrality and impartiality, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport."

"These are key components of the new IPC Constitution that was approved at the 2021 IPC General Assembly held just over three months ago."

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A number of sports federations, including world soccer governing body FIFA, have banned teams and athletes from Russia and Belarus.

The Games run from March 4-13.

Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday, despite calls to ban them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area.

Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday, despite calls to ban them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week recommended that sports federations suspend teams and athletes from the two countries but added that they could compete as neutrals if time or legal constraints prevented their removal. ALSO READ: Drivers from Russia, Belarus to participate only in their neutral capacity, says FIA President Md. Ben Sulayem "They will compete under the Paralympic flag and not be included in the medal table," the IPC said in a statement. "In deciding what action to take, the Board was guided by the IPC's core principles, which include a commitment to political neutrality and impartiality, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport." "These are key components of the new IPC Constitution that was approved at the 2021 IPC General Assembly held just over three months ago." ALSO READ: Players from Russia, Belarus allowed to compete in ATP, WTA events A number of sports federations, including world soccer governing body FIFA, have banned teams and athletes from Russia and Belarus. The Games run from March 4-13.

Beijing Winter Paralympics: Athletes from Russia, Belarus can compete as neutrals

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing attracted the smallest prime-time audience since NBC Universal began broadcasting the games, according to viewership figures released by the network, amid a period of changing TV viewing habits.

NBC said its nightly coverage of the Beijing games attracted an average of 11.4 million prime time viewers, a 42% drop from the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, which brought a total average audience of 19.8 million viewers.

The closing ceremony drew just under 7 million prime-time viewers, according to preliminary estimates from NBC, which is a unit of Comcast Corp.

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Its Peacock streaming service, however, logged its best 18-day period of usage during the games, attracting an average audience of 516,000 users in prime time, NBC said.

The service offered 2,800 hours of coverage, including highlight videos of high-profile athletes such as U.S. gold medalists Chloe Kim, Erin Jackson and Nathan Chen, replays of events and viewing organized by sport.

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USA Network, the NBCUniversal-owned cable network, attracted an average of 1.4 million prime-time viewers.

NBC Sports Chairman Pete Bevacqua issued a statement lauding the production team's efforts in the face of the "unprecedented challenges over the past six months."

Pandemic restrictions forced the competitions to take place in a bubble, leaving few spectators in the stands. The United States government staged a diplomatic boycott in protest of China`s human rights record.

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing attracted the smallest prime-time audience since NBC Universal began broadcasting the games, according to viewership figures released by the network, amid a period of changing TV viewing habits.

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing attracted the smallest prime-time audience since NBC Universal began broadcasting the games, according to viewership figures released by the network, amid a period of changing TV viewing habits. NBC said its nightly coverage of the Beijing games attracted an average of 11.4 million prime time viewers, a 42% drop from the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, which brought a total average audience of 19.8 million viewers. The closing ceremony drew just under 7 million prime-time viewers, according to preliminary estimates from NBC, which is a unit of Comcast Corp. ALSO READ: Alexander Zverev beat America's Jenson Brooksby in latest ever finish Its Peacock streaming service, however, logged its best 18-day period of usage during the games, attracting an average audience of 516,000 users in prime time, NBC said. The service offered 2,800 hours of coverage, including highlight videos of high-profile athletes such as U.S. gold medalists Chloe Kim, Erin Jackson and Nathan Chen, replays of events and viewing organized by sport. ALSO READ: AICF secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan 'not surprised' at Praggnanandhaa defeating world champion Magnus Carlsen USA Network, the NBCUniversal-owned cable network, attracted an average of 1.4 million prime-time viewers. NBC Sports Chairman Pete Bevacqua issued a statement lauding the production team's efforts in the face of the "unprecedented challenges over the past six months." Pandemic restrictions forced the competitions to take place in a bubble, leaving few spectators in the stands. The United States government staged a diplomatic boycott in protest of China`s human rights record.

NBC Universal draws worst Olympic ratings with Beijing Games 2022

Beijing was set to close the curtain Sunday night on a Winter Olympics that will be remembered for the extremes of its anti-COVID-19 measures and outrage over the doping scandal that enveloped 15-year-old Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was on hand for the closing ceremony at the Bird's Nest stadium, where the Olympic flag will be passed to Milan-Cortina, the next Winter host, ending the second Games in six months deprived by COVID-19 of much of its festivity.

The Olympics were also stalked by politics, with several countries staging a diplomatic boycott over China's human rights record, and the spectre of invasion of Ukraine by Russia, with President Vladimir Putin attending the opening ceremony in a show of solidarity against the West with Xi.

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Still, China was spared any embarrassing protests by competitors over its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority or anything else, and the thousands of foreign journalists on hand were stuck inside the closed-loop, unable to report more widely.

The tightly sealed bubble prevented the spread of the novel coronavirus at the Olympics or into the community, vindicating a zero-COVID policy that has isolated China inside what are nearly closed borders that shows no sign of easing.

However, many athletes had their Olympic dreams dashed by positive tests that prevented them from competing.

Dozens saw their preparations disrupted by enforced isolation, leading team officials and athletes to demand improved conditions including better food, internet, training equipment and more space.

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On the snow, 18-year-old San Francisco-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu won two golds and a silver for host nation China, delivering on the hype generated by her dozens of endorsement deals and making her the youthful face of the Games even as her success raised questions about nationality and privilege.

Gu's performance is a boon for the development of snow sports in China. Xi hopes that hosting the Games will get 300 million people involved in winter sports.

China's nine gold medals exceeded expectations, putting it in third place, while winter sports powerhouse Norway, with a population of just 5.5 million, won a record 16.

While Xi delivered a spectacle for a Chinese public that was unable to attend - tickets were not sold and many connected with the Olympics through the unexpected mania for panda mascot Bing Dwen Dwen - millions of Americans tuned out, with TV viewership reported to be far lower than during the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.

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The closing ceremony, like the opening led by film director Zhang Yimou, began with the Olympic flame suspended inside a giant snowflake lowered to the floor of the stadium, as children held snowflake-shaped lanterns, to the tune of "Twinkle, twinkle little star".

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach was seated next to Xi, with space between them.

DOPING SCANDAL

The biggest legacy of the Beijing Olympics will be the controversy surrounding Valieva, who stumbled under pressure in her final skate, and the outrage directed towards Russian sports officials and the country's history of doping, which meant its athletes could not compete under Russia's flag.

Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships in December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after she had helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event.

She was nonetheless allowed to participate in the singles but finished fourth, her error-strewn performance prompting a harsh reaction from her coach Eteri Tutberidze that the IOC's Bach later said he found "chilling".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-bart-swings-tops-mass-start-brings-first-belgian-winter-gold-in-74-years-454568">Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years</a>

The saga, which dominated the Games, reopened debate over the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors and prompted the world`s top anti-doping authority to investigate Valieva's entourage.

The Beijing Games, which began on Feb. 4, were the second Olympics of the COVID-19 era, taking place on time but without paying spectators, after the Tokyo Summer Games were delayed by a year.

Before Milan-Cortina stage the Winter Games in 2026, Paris hosts the Summer Games, with Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, promising an Olympic "light at the end of the tunnel".

Beijing was set to close the curtain Sunday night on a Winter Olympics that will be remembered for the extremes of its anti-COVID-19 measures and outrage over the doping scandal that enveloped 15-year-old Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva.

Beijing was set to close the curtain Sunday night on a Winter Olympics that will be remembered for the extremes of its anti-COVID-19 measures and outrage over the doping scandal that enveloped 15-year-old Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva. Chinese President Xi Jinping was on hand for the closing ceremony at the Bird's Nest stadium, where the Olympic flag will be passed to Milan-Cortina, the next Winter host, ending the second Games in six months deprived by COVID-19 of much of its festivity. The Olympics were also stalked by politics, with several countries staging a diplomatic boycott over China's human rights record, and the spectre of invasion of Ukraine by Russia, with President Vladimir Putin attending the opening ceremony in a show of solidarity against the West with Xi. ALSO READ: Australian golfer Hannah Green creates history, becomes first woman to win mixed-gender event Still, China was spared any embarrassing protests by competitors over its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority or anything else, and the thousands of foreign journalists on hand were stuck inside the closed-loop, unable to report more widely. The tightly sealed bubble prevented the spread of the novel coronavirus at the Olympics or into the community, vindicating a zero-COVID policy that has isolated China inside what are nearly closed borders that shows no sign of easing. However, many athletes had their Olympic dreams dashed by positive tests that prevented them from competing. Dozens saw their preparations disrupted by enforced isolation, leading team officials and athletes to demand improved conditions including better food, internet, training equipment and more space. ALSO READ: Australian golfer Hannah Green creates history, becomes first woman to win mixed-gender event On the snow, 18-year-old San Francisco-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu won two golds and a silver for host nation China, delivering on the hype generated by her dozens of endorsement deals and making her the youthful face of the Games even as her success raised questions about nationality and privilege. Gu's performance is a boon for the development of snow sports in China. Xi hopes that hosting the Games will get 300 million people involved in winter sports. China's nine gold medals exceeded expectations, putting it in third place, while winter sports powerhouse Norway, with a population of just 5.5 million, won a record 16. While Xi delivered a spectacle for a Chinese public that was unable to attend - tickets were not sold and many connected with the Olympics through the unexpected mania for panda mascot Bing Dwen Dwen - millions of Americans tuned out, with TV viewership reported to be far lower than during the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Chinese pair of Sui Wenjing and Han Cong win gold medal in figure skating The closing ceremony, like the opening led by film director Zhang Yimou, began with the Olympic flame suspended inside a giant snowflake lowered to the floor of the stadium, as children held snowflake-shaped lanterns, to the tune of "Twinkle, twinkle little star". International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach was seated next to Xi, with space between them. DOPING SCANDAL The biggest legacy of the Beijing Olympics will be the controversy surrounding Valieva, who stumbled under pressure in her final skate, and the outrage directed towards Russian sports officials and the country's history of doping, which meant its athletes could not compete under Russia's flag. Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships in December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after she had helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event. She was nonetheless allowed to participate in the singles but finished fourth, her error-strewn performance prompting a harsh reaction from her coach Eteri Tutberidze that the IOC's Bach later said he found "chilling". ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years The saga, which dominated the Games, reopened debate over the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors and prompted the world`s top anti-doping authority to investigate Valieva's entourage. The Beijing Games, which began on Feb. 4, were the second Olympics of the COVID-19 era, taking place on time but without paying spectators, after the Tokyo Summer Games were delayed by a year. Before Milan-Cortina stage the Winter Games in 2026, Paris hosts the Summer Games, with Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, promising an Olympic "light at the end of the tunnel".

Beijing Winter Olympics set to end after covid curbs, Kamila Valieva's doping scandal

China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong made sure the Beijing Games'&nbsp;controversial figure skating competition ended in celebration on Saturday by winning the pairs title for the sport's final gold medal to the rapture of local fans.

Fevered cheers and thunderous applause filled the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium as the pair's free skate score was announced in Mandarin, giving China the first figure skating trophy since pairs Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo in 2010.

Sui and Han, partners for 15 years - their entire career since they were children - were clearly in their element on home ice as they executed a series of high-scoring elements.

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Their opening quadruple twist lift in their free skate to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sent spectators into a frenzy, with cheers erupting between hushed moments as they performed most of their jumps and throws with clockwork precision.

Their final score of 239.88 beat the world record of 239.82 held by Russians Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov.

Russians Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov took silver with 239.25 points while the Mishina-Galliamov duo won bronze with 237.71.

The Games'&nbsp;figure skating competition has been embroiled in turmoil over Russian teen Kamila Valieva's doping case.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-united-stated-appeal-to-cas-to-award-team-medals-454609">Beijing Winter Olympics: United Stated appeal to CAS to award team medals</a>

The 15-year-old, now back in Russia, was cleared to compete in the women's singles event despite having tested positive for a banned substance prior to the Games.

She finished in fourth place amid all the drama.

China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong made sure the Beijing Games' controversial figure skating competition ended in celebration on Saturday by winning the pairs title for the sport's final gold medal to the rapture of local fans.

China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong made sure the Beijing Games' controversial figure skating competition ended in celebration on Saturday by winning the pairs title for the sport's final gold medal to the rapture of local fans. Fevered cheers and thunderous applause filled the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium as the pair's free skate score was announced in Mandarin, giving China the first figure skating trophy since pairs Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo in 2010. Sui and Han, partners for 15 years - their entire career since they were children - were clearly in their element on home ice as they executed a series of high-scoring elements. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years Their opening quadruple twist lift in their free skate to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sent spectators into a frenzy, with cheers erupting between hushed moments as they performed most of their jumps and throws with clockwork precision. Their final score of 239.88 beat the world record of 239.82 held by Russians Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov. Russians Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov took silver with 239.25 points while the Mishina-Galliamov duo won bronze with 237.71. The Games' figure skating competition has been embroiled in turmoil over Russian teen Kamila Valieva's doping case. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: United Stated appeal to CAS to award team medals The 15-year-old, now back in Russia, was cleared to compete in the women's singles event despite having tested positive for a banned substance prior to the Games. She finished in fourth place amid all the drama.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Chinese pair of Sui Wenjing and Han Cong win gold medal in figure skating

Organisers scrambled to reorganise the Alpine mixed team parallel race for the final day of the Beijing Olympics after high winds on Saturday forced the competition to be postponed.

Team officials and organisers agreed to hold the event, which is only its second edition, on Sunday at 9 a.m. (0100 GMT) despite several teams being scheduled to fly home.

The decision is likely to mean some teams have to rearrange their flights and accommodation bookings but it was not immediately clear if all would remain to compete.

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Alpine team officials will hold their usual pre-race "captains'&nbsp;meeting" at 5 p.m. when the start list will be agreed upon, and only then will it be clear how many of the 15 teams will remain in the rescheduled event.

Olympics and International Ski Federation (FIS) officials were keen to avoid the complications that would come with the rare case of an event not being held.

Juan Antonio Samaranch, the head of the International Olympic Committee's coordination commission for Beijing, told the IOC session that these issues were to be expected at a Winter Games.

"We had weather issues but this is Winter Games. We are coping with the difficulties still left but this is winter and we are here to celebrate exactly that: winter," he said.

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The closing ceremony for the Beijing Games is on Sunday at 8 p.m. The weather forecast for Sunday is for slightly better wind conditions earlier in the day.

On Saturday at 9 a.m., gusts were recorded as between 24 and 28 metres per second. On Sunday gusts are forecast between 19-22 m/s at that time. 
The weather also disrupted competition at the National Cross-Country Centre in Zhangjiakou.

The men's 50 km cross-country mass start, one of the sport's blue riband events, was postponed by an hour and shortened to 30km due to the high winds.

Not everybody in the field was happy with the decision.

"Of course athletes health comes first but we knew it was gonna be cold .... Look to other sports who moved their events a day earlier. This is not the way to go if we want to develop our sport!" Irish skier Thomas Maloney Westgaard tweeted.

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The men's freeski halfpipe final went ahead but gusts of wind kicked up snow and skiers lost momentum on the pipe, with several crashing, as temperatures dropped to minus 22 Celsius (minus 7.6 Fahrenheit).

"It was gnarly today. And there wasn't even a discussion about postponing or waiting a little bit or anything," British skier Gus Kenworthy said.

The women's 12.5 km biathlon event, originally scheduled for Saturday, was brought forward to Friday due to weather concerns.

Organisers scrambled to reorganise the Alpine mixed team parallel race for the final day of the Beijing Olympics after high winds on Saturday forced the competition to be postponed.

Organisers scrambled to reorganise the Alpine mixed team parallel race for the final day of the Beijing Olympics after high winds on Saturday forced the competition to be postponed. Team officials and organisers agreed to hold the event, which is only its second edition, on Sunday at 9 a.m. (0100 GMT) despite several teams being scheduled to fly home. The decision is likely to mean some teams have to rearrange their flights and accommodation bookings but it was not immediately clear if all would remain to compete. ALSO READ: India wins bid to host 2023 International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai after four decades Alpine team officials will hold their usual pre-race "captains' meeting" at 5 p.m. when the start list will be agreed upon, and only then will it be clear how many of the 15 teams will remain in the rescheduled event. Olympics and International Ski Federation (FIS) officials were keen to avoid the complications that would come with the rare case of an event not being held. Juan Antonio Samaranch, the head of the International Olympic Committee's coordination commission for Beijing, told the IOC session that these issues were to be expected at a Winter Games. "We had weather issues but this is Winter Games. We are coping with the difficulties still left but this is winter and we are here to celebrate exactly that: winter," he said. ALSO READ: Britain lose 4x100m relay olympic silver medal as CAS upholds Chijindu Ujah's doping violation The closing ceremony for the Beijing Games is on Sunday at 8 p.m. The weather forecast for Sunday is for slightly better wind conditions earlier in the day. On Saturday at 9 a.m., gusts were recorded as between 24 and 28 metres per second. On Sunday gusts are forecast between 19-22 m/s at that time. The weather also disrupted competition at the National Cross-Country Centre in Zhangjiakou. The men's 50 km cross-country mass start, one of the sport's blue riband events, was postponed by an hour and shortened to 30km due to the high winds. Not everybody in the field was happy with the decision. "Of course athletes health comes first but we knew it was gonna be cold .... Look to other sports who moved their events a day earlier. This is not the way to go if we want to develop our sport!" Irish skier Thomas Maloney Westgaard tweeted. ALSO READ: Athletics Integrity Unit bans Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare for 10 years under doping charges The men's freeski halfpipe final went ahead but gusts of wind kicked up snow and skiers lost momentum on the pipe, with several crashing, as temperatures dropped to minus 22 Celsius (minus 7.6 Fahrenheit). "It was gnarly today. And there wasn't even a discussion about postponing or waiting a little bit or anything," British skier Gus Kenworthy said. The women's 12.5 km biathlon event, originally scheduled for Saturday, was brought forward to Friday due to weather concerns.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Strong winds postpone Alpine mixed team parallel race on final day

Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko has tested positive for a prohibited substance during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday.

Hunko, who finished 20th in the women's monobob, is the third athlete to test positive during the Games.

The ITA said she tested positive on Feb. 14 in Yanqing where the competition took place and she had been suspended provisionally.

"The athlete also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample," the ITA, in charge of doping tests during the Olympics, said.

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Her team could not be immediately reached for a comment.

Iranian Alpine skier Hossein Saveh-Shemshaki, who had tested positive earlier in the Games, was forced out of the Games on Friday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed his anti-doping rule violation.

"The athlete is excluded from the Olympic Winter Games... and his accreditation is withdrawn," CAS said.

The skier, who was provisionally banned prior to his competitions in Beijing following the test, now faces further sanctions from his sport`s international federation FIS, CAS said.

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Ukrainian cross-country skier Valentyna Kaminska, who also tested positive, brings the total number of doping cases during the Games that end on Sunday to three.

The highest-profile doping story at the Games has concerned 15-year-old Russian figure skating team gold medallist Kamila Valieva who was allowed to continue competing in the singles event after news emerged of a failed doping test at her national championships last December.

Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko has tested positive for a prohibited substance during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday.

Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko has tested positive for a prohibited substance during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday. Hunko, who finished 20th in the women's monobob, is the third athlete to test positive during the Games. The ITA said she tested positive on Feb. 14 in Yanqing where the competition took place and she had been suspended provisionally. "The athlete also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample," the ITA, in charge of doping tests during the Olympics, said. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Was 'chilling' to witness Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure, says IOC chief Thomas Bach Her team could not be immediately reached for a comment. Iranian Alpine skier Hossein Saveh-Shemshaki, who had tested positive earlier in the Games, was forced out of the Games on Friday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed his anti-doping rule violation. "The athlete is excluded from the Olympic Winter Games... and his accreditation is withdrawn," CAS said. The skier, who was provisionally banned prior to his competitions in Beijing following the test, now faces further sanctions from his sport`s international federation FIS, CAS said. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead Ukrainian cross-country skier Valentyna Kaminska, who also tested positive, brings the total number of doping cases during the Games that end on Sunday to three. The highest-profile doping story at the Games has concerned 15-year-old Russian figure skating team gold medallist Kamila Valieva who was allowed to continue competing in the singles event after news emerged of a failed doping test at her national championships last December.

Beijing Olympics: Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko tests positive for banned substance, says ITA

Joergen Graabak completed a wonderful personal week as he anchored Norway to gold in the Nordic combined large hill/4x5km relay on Thursday, adding the team title to the individual gold and silver medals already in his bag.

Graabak was involved in last-gasp sprints in those races but was able to pace himself carefully and cruise the latter stages this time and win by almost a minute after individual large hill silver medallist Jens Oftebro had broken clear on the third leg.

Defending champions Germany took silver after individual normal hill champion Vinzenz Geiger produced a fantastic final leg to make up 27 seconds on Japan, who took bronze.

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There was always likely to be little in it on the cross country after the "big four" - each with two wins previously in the event since it joined the Games in 1988 - emerged from the ski jump with all of 12 seconds between them.

Austria came out tops, eight seconds ahead of Norway, with Germany (11) and Japan (12) a ski length or two behind.

''Franz-Josef Rehrl had a great competition as he posted the biggest jump of the night for 127.5 points then went first in the cross country and kept Austria at the front.

World champion Johannes Lamparter, still only 20, kept Austria there but their hopes of building a lead by front-loading did not come to fruition, while Japan`s "weak link" Hideaki Nagai did superbly to stay in touch.

Norway left out Jarl Magnus Riiber, who was struggling for fitness after his two week COVID isolation, but they were hardly short of quality with Espen Bjoernstad drafted in as an experienced replacement alongside Graabak, Oftebro and Espen Andersen.

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Germany’s multi-world and Olympic champion Eric Frenzel was also emerging from a lengthy COVID isolation and though he felt strong enough to race, it proved an ill-advised decision as he lost touch to hand the defending champions over 37 seconds adrift of the lead for the final leg.

Oftebro really dug in in the latter stages of the third leg to give Graabak a 10 second lead over Japan and Austria, with Germany another 27 seconds back.

Geiger worked incredibly hard to get back on terms and the three teams then settled into a tactical battle between themselves, allowing Graabak the easiest of rides to gold.

Joergen Graabak completed a wonderful personal week as he anchored Norway to gold in the Nordic combined large hill/4x5km relay on Thursday, adding the team title to the individual gold and silver medals already in his bag.

Joergen Graabak completed a wonderful personal week as he anchored Norway to gold in the Nordic combined large hill/4x5km relay on Thursday, adding the team title to the individual gold and silver medals already in his bag. Graabak was involved in last-gasp sprints in those races but was able to pace himself carefully and cruise the latter stages this time and win by almost a minute after individual large hill silver medallist Jens Oftebro had broken clear on the third leg. Defending champions Germany took silver after individual normal hill champion Vinzenz Geiger produced a fantastic final leg to make up 27 seconds on Japan, who took bronze. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Swiss skier Michelle Gisin retains gold as Mikaela Shiffrin fails again in Alpine skiing There was always likely to be little in it on the cross country after the "big four" - each with two wins previously in the event since it joined the Games in 1988 - emerged from the ski jump with all of 12 seconds between them. Austria came out tops, eight seconds ahead of Norway, with Germany (11) and Japan (12) a ski length or two behind. ''Franz-Josef Rehrl had a great competition as he posted the biggest jump of the night for 127.5 points then went first in the cross country and kept Austria at the front. World champion Johannes Lamparter, still only 20, kept Austria there but their hopes of building a lead by front-loading did not come to fruition, while Japan`s "weak link" Hideaki Nagai did superbly to stay in touch. Norway left out Jarl Magnus Riiber, who was struggling for fitness after his two week COVID isolation, but they were hardly short of quality with Espen Bjoernstad drafted in as an experienced replacement alongside Graabak, Oftebro and Espen Andersen. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Sweden's Sandra Naeslund wins women's ski cross final, takes home gold Germany’s multi-world and Olympic champion Eric Frenzel was also emerging from a lengthy COVID isolation and though he felt strong enough to race, it proved an ill-advised decision as he lost touch to hand the defending champions over 37 seconds adrift of the lead for the final leg. Oftebro really dug in in the latter stages of the third leg to give Graabak a 10 second lead over Japan and Austria, with Germany another 27 seconds back. Geiger worked incredibly hard to get back on terms and the three teams then settled into a tactical battle between themselves, allowing Graabak the easiest of rides to gold.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Joergen Graabak anchors Norway to gold in Nordic combined relay

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish.

Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.67, a comfortable 1.05 ahead of compatriot Wendy Holdener. Italy's Federica Brignone finished in the bronze medal position.

Shiffrin was a strong favourite, even after her ill-fated performances at these Games, but for the third time here had the letters DNF - Did Not Finish -- next to her name.

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She was well placed as fifth fastest after the morning's downhill leg but, returning to the Ice River course where she had skied out in both the giant slalom and slalom, Shiffrin missed a gate and incredibly skied off the course yet again.

"I didn’t make it to the finish again, and like 60 percent of my DNF rate has happened at this Olympic Games," said the American who came into the Games as the star of the sport and the great American medal hope.

"I didn’t feel pressure there. I mean there is always pressure but I just felt loose and relaxed and like I knew my plan, focused and good skiing - I was doing it and it still didn’t work. That is what it is," she said.

The six-times world champion has had 47 World Cup victories in slalom but that experience has counted for precious little in Beijing.

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"47 different times I had this feeling - the right balance of intensity, focus, the feeling I had on my skis - it always worked.

"It was always good, fast skiing but I never had an issue not finishing and especially not that early. So it is just a little bit of a mind-boggling event I guess".

Shiffrin won gold in giant slalom at Pyeongchang 2018 after winning the slalom title at Sochi 2014. She also claimed the silver medal in the combined four years ago.

BELOW EXPECTATIONS

The 26-year-old has competed in every individual event in Beijing but her results have been way below all expectations. She was only able to complete the speed events, finishing ninth in the super-G and 18th in the downhill.

But while Americans scratch their heads over Shiffrin's sudden loss of form, the Swiss are basking in their domination of the sport.

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Gisin's victory produced the fifth gold for the Swiss team at these Games and the second medal for both Gisin and Holdener.

"Four years ago I did it with my downhill and this time I did it with my slalom. It's a pity that Mikaela did not finish, I would love to have battled for gold with her," said Gisin

"I didn't think I could put a slalom run together like this after these three weeks, it was so intense."

Three of the Swiss Alpine team's golds have been for women and the country's Alpine medal tally in Beijing stands at nine in total, including a bronze in super-G for Gisin while Holdener finished third in slalom.

The pair had both medalled in the combined in Pyeongchang with Holdener taking bronze as Gisin triumphed.

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Czech Ester Ledecka finished fourth, narrowly missing out on an Alpine medal to go with her snowboard gold in the parallel giant slalom.

Four years ago, Ledecka made history when she became the first athlete to win gold in both her snowboard event and Alpine, where she won in super-G.

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish. Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish. Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.67, a comfortable 1.05 ahead of compatriot Wendy Holdener. Italy's Federica Brignone finished in the bronze medal position. Shiffrin was a strong favourite, even after her ill-fated performances at these Games, but for the third time here had the letters DNF - Did Not Finish -- next to her name. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Sweden's Sandra Naeslund wins women's ski cross final, takes home gold She was well placed as fifth fastest after the morning's downhill leg but, returning to the Ice River course where she had skied out in both the giant slalom and slalom, Shiffrin missed a gate and incredibly skied off the course yet again. "I didn’t make it to the finish again, and like 60 percent of my DNF rate has happened at this Olympic Games," said the American who came into the Games as the star of the sport and the great American medal hope. "I didn’t feel pressure there. I mean there is always pressure but I just felt loose and relaxed and like I knew my plan, focused and good skiing - I was doing it and it still didn’t work. That is what it is," she said. The six-times world champion has had 47 World Cup victories in slalom but that experience has counted for precious little in Beijing. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Canada reclaims gold medal, U.S. settles for silver in ice hockey "47 different times I had this feeling - the right balance of intensity, focus, the feeling I had on my skis - it always worked. "It was always good, fast skiing but I never had an issue not finishing and especially not that early. So it is just a little bit of a mind-boggling event I guess". Shiffrin won gold in giant slalom at Pyeongchang 2018 after winning the slalom title at Sochi 2014. She also claimed the silver medal in the combined four years ago. BELOW EXPECTATIONS The 26-year-old has competed in every individual event in Beijing but her results have been way below all expectations. She was only able to complete the speed events, finishing ninth in the super-G and 18th in the downhill. But while Americans scratch their heads over Shiffrin's sudden loss of form, the Swiss are basking in their domination of the sport. ALSO READ: Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal Gisin's victory produced the fifth gold for the Swiss team at these Games and the second medal for both Gisin and Holdener. "Four years ago I did it with my downhill and this time I did it with my slalom. It's a pity that Mikaela did not finish, I would love to have battled for gold with her," said Gisin "I didn't think I could put a slalom run together like this after these three weeks, it was so intense." Three of the Swiss Alpine team's golds have been for women and the country's Alpine medal tally in Beijing stands at nine in total, including a bronze in super-G for Gisin while Holdener finished third in slalom. The pair had both medalled in the combined in Pyeongchang with Holdener taking bronze as Gisin triumphed. ALSO READ: American sprinter Richardson's case 'different' from Kamila Valieva's: International Olympic Committee Czech Ester Ledecka finished fourth, narrowly missing out on an Alpine medal to go with her snowboard gold in the parallel giant slalom. Four years ago, Ledecka made history when she became the first athlete to win gold in both her snowboard event and Alpine, where she won in super-G.

Beijing Olympics: Swiss skier Michelle Gisin retains gold as Mikaela Shiffrin fails again in Alpine skiing

India's Arif Khan on Sunday finished 45th out of 89 participants in the men's giant slalom event at the ongoing Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

The Jammu and Kashmir-born Indian skier finished in 2:47.24 - 37.89 seconds off the first place.

With the 45th place finish at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre, Arif Khan now holds the record for the best finish by an Indian in men's giant slalom at the Winter Olympics.

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Beijing 2022 marked India's 11th Winter Olympics appearance.

Marco Odermatt claimed the gold medal in the men's giant slalom event with a combined time of 2:09.35 from the two runs.

Lara Gut-Behrami won the same discipline for Switzerland in the women's event on Friday with Beat Feuz also winning the men's downhill to give Switzerland three gold medals in Alpine skiing so far at Beijing 2022.

Holding his nerve after going into the second run just 0.04 seconds ahead of Stefan Brennsteiner of Austria, Odermatt roared in delight on seeing he'd won the Olympic title 0.19 seconds ahead of a still delighted Zan Kranjec.

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The Slovenian claimed silver after a superb second run enabled him to climb onto the podium from eighth place after the first run to a silver medal in a time of 2:09.54.

Despite an error, France's Mathieu Faivre claimed the bronze medal in 2:10.69, rising an impressive 10 places after the first run.

India's Arif Khan on Sunday finished 45th out of 89 participants in the men's giant slalom event at the ongoing Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The Jammu and Kashmir-born Indian skier finished in 2:47.

India's Arif Khan on Sunday finished 45th out of 89 participants in the men's giant slalom event at the ongoing Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The Jammu and Kashmir-born Indian skier finished in 2:47.24 - 37.89 seconds off the first place. With the 45th place finish at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre, Arif Khan now holds the record for the best finish by an Indian in men's giant slalom at the Winter Olympics. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: ROC storm to victory in cross-country skiing relay, claim gold medal Beijing 2022 marked India's 11th Winter Olympics appearance. Marco Odermatt claimed the gold medal in the men's giant slalom event with a combined time of 2:09.35 from the two runs. Lara Gut-Behrami won the same discipline for Switzerland in the women's event on Friday with Beat Feuz also winning the men's downhill to give Switzerland three gold medals in Alpine skiing so far at Beijing 2022. Holding his nerve after going into the second run just 0.04 seconds ahead of Stefan Brennsteiner of Austria, Odermatt roared in delight on seeing he'd won the Olympic title 0.19 seconds ahead of a still delighted Zan Kranjec. ALSO READ: IOC urges give peace a chance after Ukrainian skeleton slider calls for 'no war in Ukraine' The Slovenian claimed silver after a superb second run enabled him to climb onto the podium from eighth place after the first run to a silver medal in a time of 2:09.54. Despite an error, France's Mathieu Faivre claimed the bronze medal in 2:10.69, rising an impressive 10 places after the first run.

Beijing Olympics 2022: Swiss skier Marco Odermatt bags gold, India's Arif Khan settles at 45th in giant slalom

The Russian coach of the 15-year-old figure skater embroiled in an Olympic doping scandal broke her silence to defend Kamila Valieva on Saturday, while the sport's highest court said it would hold a hearing on Valieva's Winter Games future on Sunday.

Coach Eteri Tutberidze said she was certain Valieva was "clean and innocent" in an interview with Russian state television after hugging her figure-skating prodigy, who trained again at the rink next to the Capital Indoor Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Valieva's future at the Winter Games will be decided by Monday afternoon Beijing time, after a hearing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Sunday, CAS said in a statement on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-us-could-prosecute-russians-in-kamila-valieva-doping-case-says-usada-chief-452464">Beijing Winter Olympics: US Could Prosecute Russians in Kamila Valieva doping case, says USADA Chief</a>

The figure skater's Olympics hangs in the balance after the stunning revelation that she had tested positive for a banned heart drug before winning the team event on Monday, but it took more than six weeks before that positive result was reported.

Valieva is due to compete again on Tuesday in the women's individual event.

YOUNG ATHLETES

Valieva is one of the youngest athletes ever to have a positive test revealed at the Olympics, in a case that has prompted outrage from fans, athletes and anti-doping advocates around the world.

Earlier, Olympic officials said they would welcome an anti-doping investigation into the Russian doctors, coaches and family members in Valieva's entourage.

Many have questioned the role of the adults around the teenage skater and the continuing scourge of Russian doping in international sports.

Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound told Reuters that Russia may need an Olympic "timeout" after the latest doping scandal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explainer-what-is-trimetazidine-tmz-the-drug-at-the-centre-of-doping-drama-452398">Explainer: What is trimetazidine (TMZ), the drug at the centre of doping drama</a>

The Kremlin - separately preoccupied with Western diplomatic wrath over a troop buildup near Ukraine - calls Valieva's case a "misunderstanding".

Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse former USA Gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar of sexual abuse, told Reuters the failed drug test was a reminder of how vulnerable young athletes remain.

"A child does not make a choice to take those kinds of medications unless they're given to her by somebody who`s in authority," Denhollander told Reuters.

"What we're really seeing is the incredible damage that has come yet again to a child who has been under the control of adults who value her, not for who she is but for what she can produce for them."

COACH ADDS HER VOICE

Tutberidze is known for raising a generation of Russian skaters with stellar but ephemeral careers. Her skaters are among the only women in the world who can successfully land quadruple jumps.

On Saturday, she added her voice to the growing cries from Russian officials over the delay in the figure skater receiving her positive drug test result.

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More than six weeks went by between Valieva's sample being taken on Dec. 25 and Feb. 8 when she was notified by a lab in Stockholm, Sweden that she had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine.

"It's unclear why an athlete with a suspected doping on Dec. 25 was cleared to compete at the Olympics," Tutberidze told Russian state television.

"Either it is an ill-fated confluence of circumstances, or it's a very well-planned plan. I hope our officials will not abandon us and defend our rights and prove our innocence."

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), the Russian figure skating federation and Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA have questioned the timeline.

The Doping Control Laboratory Karolinska University Hospital, in Stockholm, is accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

RUSADA released a statement saying the laboratory had cited a spike in COVID-19, which impacted staff and quarantine rules, as the reason for the delay.

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The lab's director Anton Pohanka declined to comment.

On Saturday, the International Olympic Committee said the delay was a question for WADA, which could not be immediately contacted by Reuters.

Test results during the Games take between 24-72 hours for a result, depending on the kind of test, but the process during the Olympics is expedited given the urgent need for quick results with many athletes competing in several events.

While a six-week delay is unusual, there could be mitigating factors, said Jean-Pierre Verdy, the former director of testing at the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD), who helped bust several top names on the Tour de France.

"Between a sample's delivery time, added to the analysis time and re-analysis time to confirm the presence of a specific substance, and the fact that you have to send the screenings to several labs to get external confirmation - and some labs don't have that kind of experience - the delays can be long," Verdy told Reuters.

The Russian coach of the 15-year-old figure skater embroiled in an Olympic doping scandal broke her silence to defend Kamila Valieva on Saturday, while the sport's highest court said it would hold a hearing on Valieva's Winter Games future on Sunday.

The Russian coach of the 15-year-old figure skater embroiled in an Olympic doping scandal broke her silence to defend Kamila Valieva on Saturday, while the sport's highest court said it would hold a hearing on Valieva's Winter Games future on Sunday. Coach Eteri Tutberidze said she was certain Valieva was "clean and innocent" in an interview with Russian state television after hugging her figure-skating prodigy, who trained again at the rink next to the Capital Indoor Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Valieva's future at the Winter Games will be decided by Monday afternoon Beijing time, after a hearing by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Sunday, CAS said in a statement on Saturday. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: US Could Prosecute Russians in Kamila Valieva doping case, says USADA Chief The figure skater's Olympics hangs in the balance after the stunning revelation that she had tested positive for a banned heart drug before winning the team event on Monday, but it took more than six weeks before that positive result was reported. Valieva is due to compete again on Tuesday in the women's individual event. YOUNG ATHLETES Valieva is one of the youngest athletes ever to have a positive test revealed at the Olympics, in a case that has prompted outrage from fans, athletes and anti-doping advocates around the world. Earlier, Olympic officials said they would welcome an anti-doping investigation into the Russian doctors, coaches and family members in Valieva's entourage. Many have questioned the role of the adults around the teenage skater and the continuing scourge of Russian doping in international sports. Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound told Reuters that Russia may need an Olympic "timeout" after the latest doping scandal. ALSO READ: Explainer: What is trimetazidine (TMZ), the drug at the centre of doping drama The Kremlin - separately preoccupied with Western diplomatic wrath over a troop buildup near Ukraine - calls Valieva's case a "misunderstanding". Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse former USA Gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar of sexual abuse, told Reuters the failed drug test was a reminder of how vulnerable young athletes remain. "A child does not make a choice to take those kinds of medications unless they're given to her by somebody who`s in authority," Denhollander told Reuters. "What we're really seeing is the incredible damage that has come yet again to a child who has been under the control of adults who value her, not for who she is but for what she can produce for them." COACH ADDS HER VOICE Tutberidze is known for raising a generation of Russian skaters with stellar but ephemeral careers. Her skaters are among the only women in the world who can successfully land quadruple jumps. On Saturday, she added her voice to the growing cries from Russian officials over the delay in the figure skater receiving her positive drug test result. ALSO READ: WADA back in the spotlight with Russian Kamila Valieva's doping case at Beijing Winter Olympics More than six weeks went by between Valieva's sample being taken on Dec. 25 and Feb. 8 when she was notified by a lab in Stockholm, Sweden that she had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine. "It's unclear why an athlete with a suspected doping on Dec. 25 was cleared to compete at the Olympics," Tutberidze told Russian state television. "Either it is an ill-fated confluence of circumstances, or it's a very well-planned plan. I hope our officials will not abandon us and defend our rights and prove our innocence." The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), the Russian figure skating federation and Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA have questioned the timeline. The Doping Control Laboratory Karolinska University Hospital, in Stockholm, is accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). RUSADA released a statement saying the laboratory had cited a spike in COVID-19, which impacted staff and quarantine rules, as the reason for the delay. ALSO READ: Shaun White, on his farewell tour, prepares to throw his last McTwist The lab's director Anton Pohanka declined to comment. On Saturday, the International Olympic Committee said the delay was a question for WADA, which could not be immediately contacted by Reuters. Test results during the Games take between 24-72 hours for a result, depending on the kind of test, but the process during the Olympics is expedited given the urgent need for quick results with many athletes competing in several events. While a six-week delay is unusual, there could be mitigating factors, said Jean-Pierre Verdy, the former director of testing at the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD), who helped bust several top names on the Tour de France. "Between a sample's delivery time, added to the analysis time and re-analysis time to confirm the presence of a specific substance, and the fact that you have to send the screenings to several labs to get external confirmation - and some labs don't have that kind of experience - the delays can be long," Verdy told Reuters.

Coach Eteri Tutberidze defends skater Kamila Valieva, CAS to hold Sunday hearing on case

American Nathan Chen achieved a spectacular redemption when he claimed the men's figure skating title in dazzling fashion at the Beijing Olympics, completing a four-year journey to the exhilarating tunes of Elton John on Thursday.

The 22-year-old, who left empty-handed after a meltdown in Pyeongchang in 2018, stood by the edge of the rink to soak up the atmosphere during warm-up and then skated carefreely to "Rocket Man" to add to his world record in the short programme for a total of 332.60.

Wearing a Vera Wang-designed orange and purple top decorated with stars in space in a nod to his medley of Elton John songs, Chen displayed power, grace and precision, effortlessly landing his quadruple jumps as he triggered some rare cheering from a usually near-silent crowd.

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Japan`s Yuma Kagiyama (310.05) was a distant second and fellow Japanese Shoma Uno (293.00) came third, but 'Rocket Chen'&nbsp;showed he was a class above as he landed his fourth quadruple jump.

"I never really thought that I'd be able to actually make it this far in my career. I'd always, of course, dreamed about making an Olympics and winning the Olympics, but I was like, that's hard, I don't know if I can make that happen," Chen said.

"I haven't really had time to process fully, but it's amazing so far."

Yuzuru Hanyu, who was hoping to win the event for the third time in a row, finished fourth on 283.21. All attention was on the Japanese great after his long-awaited, delayed arrival&nbsp;in Beijing, but the 27-year-old fell out of contention with a disastrous short programme.

He was also looking to become the first skater to land the quadruple Axel in competition but failed to deliver, falling again on a quadruple Salchow.

WELCOME RESPITE 
 
Hanyu, looking tired and at times struggling to steady his breath to contain his emotions, said he was disappointed at his failed attempt but that he had "given it his all".

"It wasn't fun at all," he said of his Olympic experience, describing it as painful and difficult.

Asked if he would compete at the world championships or keep attempting the '4A', he said, "I need some more time to think about it."

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Chen, coming into the Olympics having been defeated only once since his Pyeongchang setback, at last year's Skate America, delivered a masterclass to become the first American to win the men's title since Evan Lysacek in Vancouver in 2010.

Kagiyama, Uno and Hanyu watched in awe as Japan's double Olympic champion knew he would have to make way for Chen, who exited the ice showing unusual signs of jubilation.

"I think that I can't regret the performance I gave," said Uno, praising Chen`s class and consistency.

Chen's smile and gesture brought a welcome respite in an otherwise tense atmosphere at the Capital Indoor Stadium where the buzz was centred on day-old reports - still unconfirmed - that Russian Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old gold medal favourite in the women's competition - had tested positive for a banned drug.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-medals-ceremony-of-figure-skating-team-event-won-by-russia-delayed-over-legal-issue-451686">Beijing Olympics: Medals ceremony of figure skating team event won by Russia delayed over legal issue</a>

Valieva was part of the six-person Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team that won gold on Monday. Medals from that event have yet to be awarded with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) citing unspecified legal reasons for the delay.

She turned up for practice on an adjacent rink, before Chen's performance grabbed the attention, at least for a memorable four and a half minutes, and signalled the end of Hanyu's domination.

American Nathan Chen achieved a spectacular redemption when he claimed the men's figure skating title in dazzling fashion at the Beijing Olympics, completing a four-year journey to the exhilarating tunes of Elton John on Thursday.

American Nathan Chen achieved a spectacular redemption when he claimed the men's figure skating title in dazzling fashion at the Beijing Olympics, completing a four-year journey to the exhilarating tunes of Elton John on Thursday. The 22-year-old, who left empty-handed after a meltdown in Pyeongchang in 2018, stood by the edge of the rink to soak up the atmosphere during warm-up and then skated carefreely to "Rocket Man" to add to his world record in the short programme for a total of 332.60. Wearing a Vera Wang-designed orange and purple top decorated with stars in space in a nod to his medley of Elton John songs, Chen displayed power, grace and precision, effortlessly landing his quadruple jumps as he triggered some rare cheering from a usually near-silent crowd. ALSO READ: How the ‘Garlic Girls’ overcame abuse to return to the Olympics Japan`s Yuma Kagiyama (310.05) was a distant second and fellow Japanese Shoma Uno (293.00) came third, but 'Rocket Chen' showed he was a class above as he landed his fourth quadruple jump. "I never really thought that I'd be able to actually make it this far in my career. I'd always, of course, dreamed about making an Olympics and winning the Olympics, but I was like, that's hard, I don't know if I can make that happen," Chen said. "I haven't really had time to process fully, but it's amazing so far." Yuzuru Hanyu, who was hoping to win the event for the third time in a row, finished fourth on 283.21. All attention was on the Japanese great after his long-awaited, delayed arrival in Beijing, but the 27-year-old fell out of contention with a disastrous short programme. He was also looking to become the first skater to land the quadruple Axel in competition but failed to deliver, falling again on a quadruple Salchow. WELCOME RESPITE Hanyu, looking tired and at times struggling to steady his breath to contain his emotions, said he was disappointed at his failed attempt but that he had "given it his all". "It wasn't fun at all," he said of his Olympic experience, describing it as painful and difficult. Asked if he would compete at the world championships or keep attempting the '4A', he said, "I need some more time to think about it." ALSO READ: Korean dress controversy at Beijing Olympics: China denies 'cultural appropriation' after row Chen, coming into the Olympics having been defeated only once since his Pyeongchang setback, at last year's Skate America, delivered a masterclass to become the first American to win the men's title since Evan Lysacek in Vancouver in 2010. Kagiyama, Uno and Hanyu watched in awe as Japan's double Olympic champion knew he would have to make way for Chen, who exited the ice showing unusual signs of jubilation. "I think that I can't regret the performance I gave," said Uno, praising Chen`s class and consistency. Chen's smile and gesture brought a welcome respite in an otherwise tense atmosphere at the Capital Indoor Stadium where the buzz was centred on day-old reports - still unconfirmed - that Russian Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old gold medal favourite in the women's competition - had tested positive for a banned drug. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Medals ceremony of figure skating team event won by Russia delayed over legal issue Valieva was part of the six-person Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team that won gold on Monday. Medals from that event have yet to be awarded with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) citing unspecified legal reasons for the delay. She turned up for practice on an adjacent rink, before Chen's performance grabbed the attention, at least for a memorable four and a half minutes, and signalled the end of Hanyu's domination.

Beijing Olympics 2022: Nathan Chen of US wins long-awaited skating gold

Norway's Therese Johaug put on a staggering late burst to snatch the gold medal in the 10 km classic race at the Beijing Games on Thursday to win by four-tenths of a second from Finland's Kerttu Niskanen.

Krista Parmakoski took the bronze medal, 31.1 seconds behind her Finnish teammate, but she never threatened the top two as Johaug secured her second individual gold medal of the Games in thrilling fashion.

"I felt I had the necessary power in the final stretch. I felt good. This was fun," she said.

"I was portioning out my efforts. If you give too much towards the top of the hill, it can hurt you in the last few kilometres. I wanted to keep my power for the final stretch. I felt good at the end."

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The raw, biting cold of Saturday`s skiathlon was replaced by blazing sunshine and temperatures just below freezing, but a strong headwind at the start line reminded racers that the task ahead of them would not be an easy one.

Johaug built up a lead of 11.8 seconds over the first 1.8 km, but she was quickly reeled in by Parmakoski and Niskanen with Tatiana Sorina representing the Russian Olympic Committee also in the mix.

Johaug dropped behind but quickly got herself back neck and neck with Niskanen as the pair crossed the 3.6 km marker in&nbsp;exactly the same time of 10:47.7.

Known for her concise classical technique, Niskanen made her break at the midway point of the race and looked to have built up a comfortable lead of 11 seconds at the 6.3 km mark, but if she thought Johaug was out of contention, she was sorely mistaken.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-2022-russian-figure-skater-kamila-valieva-at-practice-after-reports-of-failed-drug-test-451986">Beijing Olympics 2022: Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at practice after reports of failed drug test</a>

The Norwegian blasted past sprint bronze medallist Jessie Diggins despite starting a minute behind her as she thundered up a late climb, and knowing victory was within her reach Johaug left nothing to chance.

She barrelled around the rest of the course, poling powerfully up the final straight in an incredible display of stamina to throw down the gauntlet to Niskanen.

Though the Finn dug deep, she could not match the intensity of the 33-year-old Norwegian and Niskanen collapsed after crossing the line a mere 0.4 seconds behind the winner.

Norway's Therese Johaug put on a staggering late burst to snatch the gold medal in the 10 km classic race at the Beijing Games on Thursday to win by four-tenths of a second from Finland's Kerttu Niskanen.

Norway's Therese Johaug put on a staggering late burst to snatch the gold medal in the 10 km classic race at the Beijing Games on Thursday to win by four-tenths of a second from Finland's Kerttu Niskanen. Krista Parmakoski took the bronze medal, 31.1 seconds behind her Finnish teammate, but she never threatened the top two as Johaug secured her second individual gold medal of the Games in thrilling fashion. "I felt I had the necessary power in the final stretch. I felt good. This was fun," she said. "I was portioning out my efforts. If you give too much towards the top of the hill, it can hurt you in the last few kilometres. I wanted to keep my power for the final stretch. I felt good at the end." ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Posts on athletes abuse deleted from Chinese social media platforms The raw, biting cold of Saturday`s skiathlon was replaced by blazing sunshine and temperatures just below freezing, but a strong headwind at the start line reminded racers that the task ahead of them would not be an easy one. Johaug built up a lead of 11.8 seconds over the first 1.8 km, but she was quickly reeled in by Parmakoski and Niskanen with Tatiana Sorina representing the Russian Olympic Committee also in the mix. Johaug dropped behind but quickly got herself back neck and neck with Niskanen as the pair crossed the 3.6 km marker in exactly the same time of 10:47.7. Known for her concise classical technique, Niskanen made her break at the midway point of the race and looked to have built up a comfortable lead of 11 seconds at the 6.3 km mark, but if she thought Johaug was out of contention, she was sorely mistaken. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics 2022: Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at practice after reports of failed drug test The Norwegian blasted past sprint bronze medallist Jessie Diggins despite starting a minute behind her as she thundered up a late climb, and knowing victory was within her reach Johaug left nothing to chance. She barrelled around the rest of the course, poling powerfully up the final straight in an incredible display of stamina to throw down the gauntlet to Niskanen. Though the Finn dug deep, she could not match the intensity of the 33-year-old Norwegian and Niskanen collapsed after crossing the line a mere 0.4 seconds behind the winner.

Beijing Games: Norway skier Therese Johaug wins gold in 10 km cross-country classic

China is already facing massive criticism from all corners for staging the ongoing Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing despite surging cases of COVID-19 among the Games-related personnel and athletes. New issues at the Games have now come to light as a Russian athlete has alleged the food being served to COVID-19 positive athletes at the Games is 'inedible' and 'impossible' to eat.

Accusations such as inedible meals, not enough food for the athletes and the lack of training equipment have already surfaced at the Beijing Games with the athletes, who are in quarantine, slamming the organisers for unfair treatment. Russia's biathlon competitor Valeria Vasnetsova, who is among the athletes to have tested positive for COVID-19 during the Winter Games in Beijing, took to Instagram to share her horror story.

Vasnetsova took to her Instagram story to share a picture of food being served to her in one of the quarantine hotels in Beijing. In the picture shared by her, the tray of food includes plain pasta, a few potatoes, charred meat on a bone and an orange sauce. Vasnetsova said it was "breakfast, lunch and dinner for five days already".&nbsp;

The Russian alleged she has cried every day since being kept in quarantine and that her bones have started sticking out already due to a lack of nutritious and proper diet. She asserted she was 'tired' and wants all of it to end soon.

"My stomach hurts, I'm very pale and I have huge black circles around my eyes. I want all this to end. I cry every day. I'm very tired," Vasnetsova wrote on her Instagram with the picture of the food served to her.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zhu-yi-who-gave-up-us-citizenship-to-compete-for-china-slammed-after-poor-show-at-beijing-winter-olympics-451484">Zhu Yi, who gave up US citizenship to compete for China, slammed after poor show at Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

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She claimed she has been surviving on a few pieces of pasta but had to eat all the fat served to her on the day she shared the picture, as she was very hungry and was losing weight at a significant pace. "But today I ate all the fat they serve instead of meat because I was very hungry. my bones are already sticking out," she wrote.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-large-fluctuations-in-covid-19-cases-expected-say-beijing-winter-olympics-organisers-450939">No large fluctuations in COVID-19 cases expected, say Beijing Winter Olympics organisers</a>

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COVID positive athletes being starved at Beijing Winter Olympics?

Vasnetsova also went on to made a startling revelation in her post and claimed the athletes who have tested positive for COVID-19 are being served less and poor quality meals compared to the normal Games-related personnel who are in the quarantine hotels in Beijing.

She revealed while picking up the food left for her outside her door in the quarantine hotel, she noticed that the boxes left outside the other rooms in her corridor were different. The doors have been labelled with signs to distinguish Olympians and people working at the Games. The Russian claimed the food being served to non-athletes was different and the box for the athletes had worse food.

She also shared the details of the food served to her team doctor, who also tested positive for COVID-19 and was kept in quarantine at the same hotel. Vasnetsova said the team doctor was served fresh fruit, a salad and prawns with broccoli. "I honestly don't understand, why is there this attitude to us, the athletes?" - the Russian wrote.

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Is China using quarantines to rig the Olympics? 
 
A Russian athlete, Valeria Vasnetsova, has blown the whistle. 
 
She says foreign athletes who test positive for covid are being starved, so they can't compete even if they recover. 🧵 <a href="https://t.co/tM79dQZEID">pic.twitter.com/tM79dQZEID</a>
— Clint Ehrlich (@ClintEhrlich) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClintEhrlich/status/1490025482821062659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The organisers were quick to address Vasnetsova's concerns, and as per a report in the Associated Press, the Russian biathlon team spokesperson Sergei Averyanov confirmed better food was served to her. He also added that the athlete will also be given a stationary bike soon for training.

China is already facing massive criticism from all corners for staging the ongoing Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing despite surging cases of COVID-19 among the Games-related personnel and athletes.

China is already facing massive criticism from all corners for staging the ongoing Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing despite surging cases of COVID-19 among the Games-related personnel and athletes. New issues at the Games have now come to light as a Russian athlete has alleged the food being served to COVID-19 positive athletes at the Games is 'inedible' and 'impossible' to eat. Accusations such as inedible meals, not enough food for the athletes and the lack of training equipment have already surfaced at the Beijing Games with the athletes, who are in quarantine, slamming the organisers for unfair treatment. Russia's biathlon competitor Valeria Vasnetsova, who is among the athletes to have tested positive for COVID-19 during the Winter Games in Beijing, took to Instagram to share her horror story. Vasnetsova took to her Instagram story to share a picture of food being served to her in one of the quarantine hotels in Beijing. In the picture shared by her, the tray of food includes plain pasta, a few potatoes, charred meat on a bone and an orange sauce. Vasnetsova said it was "breakfast, lunch and dinner for five days already". The Russian alleged she has cried every day since being kept in quarantine and that her bones have started sticking out already due to a lack of nutritious and proper diet. She asserted she was 'tired' and wants all of it to end soon. "My stomach hurts, I'm very pale and I have huge black circles around my eyes. I want all this to end. I cry every day. I'm very tired," Vasnetsova wrote on her Instagram with the picture of the food served to her. ALSO READ | Zhu Yi, who gave up US citizenship to compete for China, slammed after poor show at Beijing Winter Olympics She claimed she has been surviving on a few pieces of pasta but had to eat all the fat served to her on the day she shared the picture, as she was very hungry and was losing weight at a significant pace. "But today I ate all the fat they serve instead of meat because I was very hungry. my bones are already sticking out," she wrote. Also Read: No large fluctuations in COVID-19 cases expected, say Beijing Winter Olympics organisers × COVID positive athletes being starved at Beijing Winter Olympics? Vasnetsova also went on to made a startling revelation in her post and claimed the athletes who have tested positive for COVID-19 are being served less and poor quality meals compared to the normal Games-related personnel who are in the quarantine hotels in Beijing. She revealed while picking up the food left for her outside her door in the quarantine hotel, she noticed that the boxes left outside the other rooms in her corridor were different. The doors have been labelled with signs to distinguish Olympians and people working at the Games. The Russian claimed the food being served to non-athletes was different and the box for the athletes had worse food. She also shared the details of the food served to her team doctor, who also tested positive for COVID-19 and was kept in quarantine at the same hotel. Vasnetsova said the team doctor was served fresh fruit, a salad and prawns with broccoli. "I honestly don't understand, why is there this attitude to us, the athletes?" - the Russian wrote. Is China using quarantines to rig the Olympics? A Russian athlete, Valeria Vasnetsova, has blown the whistle. She says foreign athletes who test positive for covid are being starved, so they can't compete even if they recover. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/tM79dQZEID — Clint Ehrlich (@ClintEhrlich) February 5, 2022 × The organisers were quick to address Vasnetsova's concerns, and as per a report in the Associated Press, the Russian biathlon team spokesperson Sergei Averyanov confirmed better food was served to her. He also added that the athlete will also be given a stationary bike soon for training.

'My bones are sticking out': Russian athlete slams Beijing Games organisers over inedible food

India has joined the world in diplomatically boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics. Indian diplomats won't attend the opening & closing ceremonies; this after a Galwan soldier was made the Olympic torchbearer. Is China politicizing winter Olympics?

Top Indian diplomat to boycott Beijing Games over torchbearer, China politicizing winter Olympics?

A majority of governments from the 90 countries participating in the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics have not opted to join a diplomatic boycott of the Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said.

The United States, Britain and Australia are among countries that recently announced a diplomatic boycott of the Feb. 4-20 Beijing Games over China's human rights record, a stand that China dismissed as "political posturing".

In the European Union, countries such as France have sought a common EU response but the bloc is torn over whether to join the diplomatic boycott, fearful of Chinese retaliation that would hurt trade.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-opening-ceremony-to-be-held-on-the-river-seine-watch-437026">Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony to be held on the River Seine - WATCH</a>

"There are countries like the United States, Britain and Australia who took that decision," Bach told German broadcaster ZDF late on Tuesday.

"Several other countries, and not only several, if we say there will be 90 National Olympic Committees (NOC) present at the Games, there are most likely more than 70 or even more than 80 NOCs whose governments have not made such statements."

"But they all have one thing in common and that is they support their Olympic teams ... so that their athletes can live their Olympic dreams," Bach said.

Rights groups have long criticised the IOC for awarding the Games to China for a second time, after human rights conditions following the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics failed to improve, according to the groups.

Last week, Tibetan students chained themselves to the Olympic rings outside the IOC's Swiss headquarters in Lausanne, calling for an international Games boycott.

Similar protests took place during the Beijing Games torch-lighting ceremony in Greece's ancient Olympia and Athens in October.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

"What happened in between those years politically is not in our sphere of influence," said Bach, a German lawyer who won gold in fencing at the 1976 Olympics.

"You cannot blame the IOC and make it responsible for something a generation or two of politicians did not succeed in."

"We are responsible for the Olympic Games," Bach said. "Expectations that the Games can change the political system of a country are exaggerated."

A majority of governments from the 90 countries participating in the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics have not opted to join a diplomatic boycott of the Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said.

A majority of governments from the 90 countries participating in the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics have not opted to join a diplomatic boycott of the Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said. The United States, Britain and Australia are among countries that recently announced a diplomatic boycott of the Feb. 4-20 Beijing Games over China's human rights record, a stand that China dismissed as "political posturing". In the European Union, countries such as France have sought a common EU response but the bloc is torn over whether to join the diplomatic boycott, fearful of Chinese retaliation that would hurt trade. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony to be held on the River Seine - WATCH "There are countries like the United States, Britain and Australia who took that decision," Bach told German broadcaster ZDF late on Tuesday. "Several other countries, and not only several, if we say there will be 90 National Olympic Committees (NOC) present at the Games, there are most likely more than 70 or even more than 80 NOCs whose governments have not made such statements." "But they all have one thing in common and that is they support their Olympic teams ... so that their athletes can live their Olympic dreams," Bach said. Rights groups have long criticised the IOC for awarding the Games to China for a second time, after human rights conditions following the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics failed to improve, according to the groups. Last week, Tibetan students chained themselves to the Olympic rings outside the IOC's Swiss headquarters in Lausanne, calling for an international Games boycott. Similar protests took place during the Beijing Games torch-lighting ceremony in Greece's ancient Olympia and Athens in October. ALSO READ: Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' "What happened in between those years politically is not in our sphere of influence," said Bach, a German lawyer who won gold in fencing at the 1976 Olympics. "You cannot blame the IOC and make it responsible for something a generation or two of politicians did not succeed in." "We are responsible for the Olympic Games," Bach said. "Expectations that the Games can change the political system of a country are exaggerated."

Most countries won't join diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, says IOC President Thomas Bach

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