A Russian appeal against the decision to strip them of the figure skating team gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday. CAS banned teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva in January for four years for doping, effective from December 2021, a decision that also stripped the Russian Olympic Committee of its gold medal in the team event at the 2022 Games, nearly two years after the competition.

The ROC, the skaters involved in the team event and the country's figure skating federation had appealed that ruling. "The Appellants had sought a ruling from CAS re-ranking the figure skating Team Event and awarding the gold medal to the ROC," CAS said in a statement.

"Following the hearing that took place on 12 June 2024, the Panel deliberated and concluded that the results of Ms Valieva in the Olympic figure skating team event were correctly disqualified in the Challenged Decision, and that the ROC skating Team could not be awarded the gold medal."

The ROC, in a statement, said it was "extremely disappointed" by the ruling and was "considering the possibility of further steps to defend the rights and interests of Russian athletes". "We harboured no illusions over this matter as has been the case in similar cases and appeals launched by the Russian side over nearly three years," the statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-swimming-veteran-caeleb-dressel-has-no-confidence-in-result-fairness-after-doping-scandal-744168">Paris Olympics 2024: Swimming veteran Caeleb Dressel has no confidence in result fairness after doping scandal</a>

Valieva had tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, a drug used to treat angina, at the Russian national championships in December 2021. The result was made known only after she competed in the team event in Beijing, triggering a media frenzy.

Her team had said at the time that the positive test could have been due to a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication. She was 15 years old at the time. In its revision of the Beijing results, the International Skating Union demoted the Russian figure skating team from gold to bronze after Valieva's disqualification. United States were awarded the gold medal and Japan won silver.

The doping charge against the young athlete stirred strong emotions in Russia. Canada who finished in fourth place, have also appealed to CAS wanting to be awarded the bronze medal that went to the Russian team.

Russia, and before it the Soviet Union, have long regarded the Olympics as a chance to showcase the country as a winner on the global stage. But doping controversies in the past decade have soured Moscow's relations with the International Olympic Committee and forced its athletes to compete at successive Games without their national flag or anthem.

A limited number of Russian athletes are competing as independent athletes without flag or anthem at the Paris Olympics following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

A Russian appeal against the decision to strip them of the figure skating team gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday.

A Russian appeal against the decision to strip them of the figure skating team gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday. CAS banned teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva in January for four years for doping, effective from December 2021, a decision that also stripped the Russian Olympic Committee of its gold medal in the team event at the 2022 Games, nearly two years after the competition. The ROC, the skaters involved in the team event and the country's figure skating federation had appealed that ruling. "The Appellants had sought a ruling from CAS re-ranking the figure skating Team Event and awarding the gold medal to the ROC," CAS said in a statement. "Following the hearing that took place on 12 June 2024, the Panel deliberated and concluded that the results of Ms Valieva in the Olympic figure skating team event were correctly disqualified in the Challenged Decision, and that the ROC skating Team could not be awarded the gold medal." The ROC, in a statement, said it was "extremely disappointed" by the ruling and was "considering the possibility of further steps to defend the rights and interests of Russian athletes". "We harboured no illusions over this matter as has been the case in similar cases and appeals launched by the Russian side over nearly three years," the statement said. Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: Swimming veteran Caeleb Dressel has no confidence in result fairness after doping scandal Valieva had tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, a drug used to treat angina, at the Russian national championships in December 2021. The result was made known only after she competed in the team event in Beijing, triggering a media frenzy. Her team had said at the time that the positive test could have been due to a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication. She was 15 years old at the time. In its revision of the Beijing results, the International Skating Union demoted the Russian figure skating team from gold to bronze after Valieva's disqualification. United States were awarded the gold medal and Japan won silver. The doping charge against the young athlete stirred strong emotions in Russia. Canada who finished in fourth place, have also appealed to CAS wanting to be awarded the bronze medal that went to the Russian team. Russia, and before it the Soviet Union, have long regarded the Olympics as a chance to showcase the country as a winner on the global stage. But doping controversies in the past decade have soured Moscow's relations with the International Olympic Committee and forced its athletes to compete at successive Games without their national flag or anthem. A limited number of Russian athletes are competing as independent athletes without flag or anthem at the Paris Olympics following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Court of Arbitration for Sport rules out Russian appeal over figure skater Kamila Valieva's medal

In a huge blow to Russian skating, teen star Kamila Valieva has received a four-year suspension for doping. The development was&nbsp;confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport&nbsp;on Monday (Jan 29)&nbsp;after the figure skater failed&nbsp;a doping test ahead of&nbsp;the 2022 Winter Olympics.

With this, the move has effectively stripped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) of its gold medal in the team event from the&nbsp;Beijing Olympics two years back.&nbsp; Reports said the gold could&nbsp;now go to the US team.

"Kamila Valieva is found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation and sanctioned with a four-year period of ineligibility commencing on 25 December 2021," the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said.

"WADA took this appeal to CAS in the interests of fairness for athletes and clean sport and we believe that has been delivered through this decision," it further opined.

In addition, the court claimed that all competitive results achieved by the 17-year-old teenager since that date stand&nbsp;voided, including the gold medal she helped ROC to win in the team event during the 2022 Games.

The CAS panel said that&nbsp;Valieva, who was 15 at the time of the offence, was not to be&nbsp;treated with more leniency that an adult found to have committed the&nbsp;violation.

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It is to be noted that Valieva&nbsp;tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine -- which prohibits&nbsp;angina --&nbsp;at the Russian national championships in Dec&nbsp;2021. Her team defended her by saying that she might have tested positive&nbsp;to a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication. The result of the positive doping test was out just a day after her efforts ensured ROC to clinch gold in the team event in Beijing in early 2022.&nbsp;

As things stand,&nbsp;United States will&nbsp;receive gold medal&nbsp;in the event after Valieva’s Olympic disqualification.&nbsp;

The Voice of America reported that Olympic officials "have told counterparts in the United States that their figure skating team will receive Olympic gold medals" after Valieva's disqualification.

<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;

In a huge blow to Russian skating, teen star Kamila Valieva has received a four-year suspension for doping. The development was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday (Jan 29) after the figure skater failed a doping test ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

In a huge blow to Russian skating, teen star Kamila Valieva has received a four-year suspension for doping. The development was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday (Jan 29) after the figure skater failed a doping test ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics. With this, the move has effectively stripped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) of its gold medal in the team event from the Beijing Olympics two years back. Reports said the gold could now go to the US team. "Kamila Valieva is found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation and sanctioned with a four-year period of ineligibility commencing on 25 December 2021," the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said. "WADA took this appeal to CAS in the interests of fairness for athletes and clean sport and we believe that has been delivered through this decision," it further opined. In addition, the court claimed that all competitive results achieved by the 17-year-old teenager since that date stand voided, including the gold medal she helped ROC to win in the team event during the 2022 Games. The CAS panel said that Valieva, who was 15 at the time of the offence, was not to be treated with more leniency that an adult found to have committed the violation. Also read: Australian Open 2024: Tennis needs the next generation, says Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner It is to be noted that Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine -- which prohibits angina -- at the Russian national championships in Dec 2021. Her team defended her by saying that she might have tested positive to a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication. The result of the positive doping test was out just a day after her efforts ensured ROC to clinch gold in the team event in Beijing in early 2022. As things stand, United States will receive gold medal in the event after Valieva’s Olympic disqualification. The Voice of America reported that Olympic officials "have told counterparts in the United States that their figure skating team will receive Olympic gold medals" after Valieva's disqualification. 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.

Skating: Russia’s Kamila Valieva handed four-year ban for doping, Olympic gold could go to US

Imagine creating history for your country at the tender age of 15 only to test positive for doping soon after, facing humiliation and suspension. Russian figure skating prodigy Kamila Valieva suffered the exact fate as she got stripped of her gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the team event. &nbsp;

The young Olympian failed the dope test (tested before the last Winter Games), with the Court of Arbitration (CAS) on Sunday (Jan 29) handing her a four-year suspension. Although a Russian Anti-Doping Agency’s (RUSADA) investigation finds ‘no fault or negligence’ for a failed dope test, CAS upheld an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), resulting in punishing her as per the norms underlined.

Both CAS and WADA released their respective statements on this matter, with CAS disqualifying her of all competitive results since December 25, 2021. The WADA&nbsp;welcomed the move but vowed to punish those who doped Valieva, now 17.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-dropped-to-bronze-in-2022-olympic-skating-event-after-kamila-valieva-doping-ban-685190">Russia dropped to bronze in 2022 Olympic skating event after Kamila Valieva doping ban</a>

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“A period of four years ineligibility is imposed on Ms Valieva. All competitive results of Ms Valieva from 25 December 2021 are disqualified, with all the resulting consequences,” CAS said in a statement.

"The doping of children is unforgivable,” Wada said, urging ‘governments to consider passing legislation -- as some have done already -- making the doping of minors a criminal offence.”

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Following winning the Russian Championships, the RUSADA tested the skater on December 25, 2021, the sample of which was sent to the WADA-accredited laboratory in Stockholm.&nbsp;

The lab there found a minute concentration of Trimetazidine - a drug used to treat angina but banned for athletes.&nbsp;

However, due to unprecedented circumstances (because of the COVID-19 pandemic), it took longer for the doping results to come out (during the middle of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Though in Valieva’s defence, her spokesperson said they disagree with the decision, slamming the authorities for ‘policing’ this call against Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) athletes, the United States of America (USA) (who stood second) officials called this as a victory for the clean athletes.&nbsp;

"Of course, we don't agree with it... From my point of view, of course, it's politicised," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.

Considering the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet organised the medal ceremony of the said team event (where Valieva became the first female skater to land a quadruple jump in an Olympic competition, helping Russia win team gold), the USA and Japanese and Canada (that stood 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively) directed anger towards the decision ‘taking longer’ (around two years) to come out.&nbsp;

"While any sense of true justice has been denied by the unbelievable and unnecessary delay in this case, we are incredibly pleased for clean athletes that this sad saga has finally come to an end and hope they can find joy and satisfaction in the fact that their long wait for justice is over," United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) chief executive Travis Tygart said.

"At the same time, our hearts hurt for yet another Russian athlete who the system has failed,” he further added.

<h3>What will happen next?</h3>

After the CAS declared the decision, the ROC will be demoted on the medal tally, winning the bronze medal despite Valieva getting suspended. Though the USA (65 points) and Japan (63 points) will now win the gold and silver medals, respectively, the ROC will remain in the third spot, as even without Valieva’s contribution points, they are a point clear of Canada (54 points), which stood fourth in the original counting, the International Skating Union (ISU) said on Tuesday (Jan 30).&nbsp;

However, from the beginning, Valieva’s case presented a dilemma, as her age should have ensured her confidentiality under WADA rules for "protected persons" younger than 16. Partly as a result of her case, the ISU is said to raise the age limit for its senior category from 15 to 17 this year, citing the "physical, mental and emotional health" of competitors.

<h4>ROC to appeal against the decision</h4>

Having already labelled this as a politically motivated move against the ROC, Kamila Valieva’s spokesperson said if any opportunity to appeal against the call comes across, they will go for it.

"If there are any opportunities to challenge and continue to defend the rights of our athletes, they must be mobilised to the end,” Dmitry Peskov said.

Besides, after these comments, the ROC, in its statement, said its lawyers are preparing to contest the latest standings, which sees ROC fall to third place.

"We base ourselves on the fact that, in accordance with the current applicable ISU rules, the consequences of sanctions against an individual athlete, in this case, Kamila Valieva, cannot serve as the basis for revising the results of the team event," ROC said.

Imagine creating history for your country at the tender age of 15 only to test positive for doping soon after, facing humiliation and suspension. Russian figure skating prodigy Kamila Valieva suffered the exact fate as she got stripped of her gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the team event.

Imagine creating history for your country at the tender age of 15 only to test positive for doping soon after, facing humiliation and suspension. Russian figure skating prodigy Kamila Valieva suffered the exact fate as she got stripped of her gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the team event. The young Olympian failed the dope test (tested before the last Winter Games), with the Court of Arbitration (CAS) on Sunday (Jan 29) handing her a four-year suspension. Although a Russian Anti-Doping Agency’s (RUSADA) investigation finds ‘no fault or negligence’ for a failed dope test, CAS upheld an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), resulting in punishing her as per the norms underlined. Both CAS and WADA released their respective statements on this matter, with CAS disqualifying her of all competitive results since December 25, 2021. The WADA welcomed the move but vowed to punish those who doped Valieva, now 17. ALSO READ: Russia dropped to bronze in 2022 Olympic skating event after Kamila Valieva doping ban × “A period of four years ineligibility is imposed on Ms Valieva. All competitive results of Ms Valieva from 25 December 2021 are disqualified, with all the resulting consequences,” CAS said in a statement. "The doping of children is unforgivable,” Wada said, urging ‘governments to consider passing legislation -- as some have done already -- making the doping of minors a criminal offence.” What happened? Following winning the Russian Championships, the RUSADA tested the skater on December 25, 2021, the sample of which was sent to the WADA-accredited laboratory in Stockholm. The lab there found a minute concentration of Trimetazidine - a drug used to treat angina but banned for athletes. However, due to unprecedented circumstances (because of the COVID-19 pandemic), it took longer for the doping results to come out (during the middle of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Though in Valieva’s defence, her spokesperson said they disagree with the decision, slamming the authorities for ‘policing’ this call against Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) athletes, the United States of America (USA) (who stood second) officials called this as a victory for the clean athletes. "Of course, we don't agree with it... From my point of view, of course, it's politicised," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies. Considering the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet organised the medal ceremony of the said team event (where Valieva became the first female skater to land a quadruple jump in an Olympic competition, helping Russia win team gold), the USA and Japanese and Canada (that stood 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively) directed anger towards the decision ‘taking longer’ (around two years) to come out. "While any sense of true justice has been denied by the unbelievable and unnecessary delay in this case, we are incredibly pleased for clean athletes that this sad saga has finally come to an end and hope they can find joy and satisfaction in the fact that their long wait for justice is over," United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) chief executive Travis Tygart said. "At the same time, our hearts hurt for yet another Russian athlete who the system has failed,” he further added. What will happen next? After the CAS declared the decision, the ROC will be demoted on the medal tally, winning the bronze medal despite Valieva getting suspended. Though the USA (65 points) and Japan (63 points) will now win the gold and silver medals, respectively, the ROC will remain in the third spot, as even without Valieva’s contribution points, they are a point clear of Canada (54 points), which stood fourth in the original counting, the International Skating Union (ISU) said on Tuesday (Jan 30). However, from the beginning, Valieva’s case presented a dilemma, as her age should have ensured her confidentiality under WADA rules for "protected persons" younger than 16. Partly as a result of her case, the ISU is said to raise the age limit for its senior category from 15 to 17 this year, citing the "physical, mental and emotional health" of competitors. ROC to appeal against the decision Having already labelled this as a politically motivated move against the ROC, Kamila Valieva’s spokesperson said if any opportunity to appeal against the call comes across, they will go for it. "If there are any opportunities to challenge and continue to defend the rights of our athletes, they must be mobilised to the end,” Dmitry Peskov said. Besides, after these comments, the ROC, in its statement, said its lawyers are preparing to contest the latest standings, which sees ROC fall to third place. "We base ourselves on the fact that, in accordance with the current applicable ISU rules, the consequences of sanctions against an individual athlete, in this case, Kamila Valieva, cannot serve as the basis for revising the results of the team event," ROC said.

Explained | The curious case of now suspended Russian figure skater 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:&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

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is due to resume hearing the&nbsp;doping&nbsp;case&nbsp;of&nbsp;figure&nbsp;skater&nbsp;Kamila Valieva on Thursday, a saga that rattled last year's Beijing Olympics and cast a shadow over Russia's already troubled anti-doping&nbsp;system. The Lausanne-based court began hearing her&nbsp;case&nbsp;in September but adjourned the proceedings after a panel of arbitrators asked for further documentation. The hearing, which is closed to the public and will conclude on Friday, will feature the remainder of the evidence as well as the parties' closing submissions.

Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, designed to prevent angina, at the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;national championships in December 2021 when she was 15. Her team has said the positive test could have been due to a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication.

The result of the test, however, was only made known a day after she helped the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) authorised Valieva to take part in the women's single event despite her positive test but said medals for the team event would not be allocated until her&nbsp;case&nbsp;was settled. The delay in the medal allocation has angered competitors, with Vincent Zhou, one of the&nbsp;skaters on the silver medal-winning U.S. team, saying that the global anti-doping&nbsp;system was "failing athletes".

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The&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;anti-doping&nbsp;agency (RUSADA) disciplinary commission found that Valieva had committed a violation for which she bore "no fault or negligence". She was not sanctioned but her results from the national championships on the day she tested positive were voided. RUSADA, the World Anti-Doping&nbsp;Agency (WADA) and the International Skating Union (ISU) are all challenging this decision at sport's highest court.

RUSADA has said it was seeking "the appropriate consequences" for the offence, while ISU is seeking a suspension. WADA is seeking a four-year ban that would include voiding&nbsp;Valieva's&nbsp;results from the Beijing Games, effectively denying ROC their team event gold medal.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is due to resume hearing the doping case of figure skater Kamila Valieva on Thursday, a saga that rattled last year's Beijing Olympics and cast a shadow over Russia's already troubled anti-doping system.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is due to resume hearing the doping case of figure skater Kamila Valieva on Thursday, a saga that rattled last year's Beijing Olympics and cast a shadow over Russia's already troubled anti-doping system. The Lausanne-based court began hearing her case in September but adjourned the proceedings after a panel of arbitrators asked for further documentation. The hearing, which is closed to the public and will conclude on Friday, will feature the remainder of the evidence as well as the parties' closing submissions. Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, designed to prevent angina, at the Russian national championships in December 2021 when she was 15. Her team has said the positive test could have been due to a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication. The result of the test, however, was only made known a day after she helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) authorised Valieva to take part in the women's single event despite her positive test but said medals for the team event would not be allocated until her case was settled. The delay in the medal allocation has angered competitors, with Vincent Zhou, one of the skaters on the silver medal-winning U.S. team, saying that the global anti-doping system was "failing athletes". Also Read: Champions League: VAR referee withdraws from duties after handball controversy in PSG vs Newcastle tie The Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) disciplinary commission found that Valieva had committed a violation for which she bore "no fault or negligence". She was not sanctioned but her results from the national championships on the day she tested positive were voided. RUSADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Skating Union (ISU) are all challenging this decision at sport's highest court. RUSADA has said it was seeking "the appropriate consequences" for the offence, while ISU is seeking a suspension. WADA is seeking a four-year ban that would include voiding Valieva's results from the Beijing Games, effectively denying ROC their team event gold medal.

CAS to resume hearing doping case of figure skater Kamila Valieva

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has formally appealed a recent controversial decision in the doping case of Russian teenage figure skating star Kamilia Valieva. WADA lodged its appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a panel used to settle international sporting disputes.

WION Sports: WADA appeals Valieva case to CAS

Russian skater Kamila Valieva has been clear from doping charges. Earlier, she had missed out on a podium place in the women's single skating event at the Beijing Winter Olympics due to these charges. Watch further to know more.

Russia clears Skater Kamila Valiela over doping case

Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case has been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency after it made no progress with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, WADA president Witold Banka said on Tuesday.

Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine at the Russian national championships in December 2021 and the result was only made known on Feb. 8, a day after she helped her team win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Last month RUSADA said it would not release the results of the investigation into Valieva's positive test "in order to protect the interests" of the 16-year-old skater.

"Despite putting RUSADA under formal notice to resolve the Kamila Valieva case promptly, no progress was made. Therefore, I can confirm WADA has now officially referred it directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Banka wrote on Twitter.

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WADA had issued a "formal notice" to RUSADA last month after raising concerns with the ongoing delay in Valieva's case, warning the agency they would take the matter directly to CAS, which is sport's highest court.

In her defence, Valieva said the positive test was the result of a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication.

CAS had cleared Valieva, then 15, to continue competing at the Beijing Games in February, upholding an earlier decision by RUSADA to lift a ban on the skater.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-a-bad-choice-ex-fifa-president-sepp-blatter-feels-awarding-world-cup-rights-to-qatar-was-a-mistake-532250">'It was a bad choice': Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter feels awarding World Cup rights to Qatar was a mistake</a>

CAS had cited the fact that Valieva was a "protected person" under WADA rules as one of the "exceptional circumstances" underpinning its decision. The CAS ruling did not address the merits of Valieva's drug case.

At the time, WADA was disappointed with the decision and Banka had said, "doping of children is evil and unforgivable".

Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case has been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency after it made no progress with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, WADA president Witold Banka said on Tuesday.

Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case has been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency after it made no progress with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, WADA president Witold Banka said on Tuesday. Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine at the Russian national championships in December 2021 and the result was only made known on Feb. 8, a day after she helped her team win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Last month RUSADA said it would not release the results of the investigation into Valieva's positive test "in order to protect the interests" of the 16-year-old skater. "Despite putting RUSADA under formal notice to resolve the Kamila Valieva case promptly, no progress was made. Therefore, I can confirm WADA has now officially referred it directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Banka wrote on Twitter. Also Read: Sri Lanka Cricket to probe ‘various alleged incidents’ in Australia after Danushka Gunathilaka's arrest WADA had issued a "formal notice" to RUSADA last month after raising concerns with the ongoing delay in Valieva's case, warning the agency they would take the matter directly to CAS, which is sport's highest court. In her defence, Valieva said the positive test was the result of a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication. CAS had cleared Valieva, then 15, to continue competing at the Beijing Games in February, upholding an earlier decision by RUSADA to lift a ban on the skater. Also Read: 'It was a bad choice': Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter feels awarding World Cup rights to Qatar was a mistake CAS had cited the fact that Valieva was a "protected person" under WADA rules as one of the "exceptional circumstances" underpinning its decision. The CAS ruling did not address the merits of Valieva's drug case. At the time, WADA was disappointed with the decision and Banka had said, "doping of children is evil and unforgivable".

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case referred to CAS, says WADA president

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-golfer-hannah-green-creates-history-becomes-first-woman-to-win-mixed-gender-event-454804">Australian golfer Hannah Green creates history, becomes first woman to win mixed-gender event</a>

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-chinese-pair-of-sui-wenjing-and-han-cong-win-gold-medal-in-figure-skating-454654">Beijing Winter Olympics: Chinese pair of Sui Wenjing and Han Cong win gold medal in figure skating</a>

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

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said on Friday it had been "chilling" to witness Russian teenage skater Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure at the Beijing Olympics as a doping scandal continued to swirl, hitting out at the 15-year-old's entourage.

The saga has opened a debate on the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors, but International Olympic Committee president Bach said the IOC had limited means of action.

Valieva, who had been leading the women's figure skating event after the short programme, cracked in her free skate on Thursday night, and stumbled down to fourth place as compatriot Anna Shcherbakova skated to gold.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-kamila-valieva-slips-to-fourth-place-in-figure-skating-medal-ceremony-to-go-ahead-454097">Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead</a>

"I must say I was very, very disturbed yesterday when I watched the competition on TV," Bach told a news conference.

"How high the pressure on her must have been."

Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships last December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after Valieva had already helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event.

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency lifted a provisional ban on her and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday rejected an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union (ISU) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to re-instate the suspension - therefore allowing her to compete in the single event on Tuesday and Thursday.

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CHILLING TO SEE

"To see her struggling on the ice, to see her, how she tries to compose herself again, how then she tries to finish her programme and you could see in every movement, in the body language, you could feel that this is immense, immense mental stress and maybe she would have preferred to just leave the ice and try to leave this story behind her," said Bach.

Valieva left the ice hiding tears behind her hands and sobbed in the 'kiss and cry'&nbsp;area as her coach, Eteri Tutberidze, confronted her.

"Why did you let it go? Explain it to me, why? Why did you stop fighting completely? Somewhere after the axel you let it go," Tutberidze said.

That reaction confounded Bach, who said, it was "extremely important" to look into Valieva's entourage.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kamila-valieva-recieves-loud-cheers-breaks-down-after-returning-to-action-for-1st-time-since-doping-scandal-453839">Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal</a>

"When I afterwards saw how she was received by her close entourage ... it was chilling to see this," said Bach.

"Rather than giving her comfort, rather than to try to help her you could feel this chilling atmosphere, this distance and if you were interpreting the body language of them, it got even worse because this was even some kind of dismissive gestures.

"All of this does not give me much confidence in Kamila's closest entourage." 
Bach admitted that the IOC, while it was addressing the matter, could not do much to control the group of people around any athlete.

"We see we have extremely limited means to address it," he said. "We are not the police, we cannot interrogate and have a formal prosecution procedure; and our sanctions are extremely limited.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-russian-kamila-valieva-had-3-drugs-used-to-treat-heart-conditions-in-sample-report-453687">Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report</a>

"In the end, it's a question where we need the support of governments." 
WADA has said it was launching an investigation into Valieva's entourage, which also includes, among others, figure skating team doctor Filipp Shvetsky, who in the past had been suspended for doping athletes.

Bach also said the IOC would also look into the rules applying to minors at competitions as Valieva was cleared to compete also due to the mitigating factor that she was 15.

"In a fair competition the same rules have to apply to everybody," Bach said.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said on Friday it had been "chilling" to witness Russian teenage skater Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure at the Beijing Olympics as a doping scandal continued to swirl, hitting out at the 15-year-old's entourage.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said on Friday it had been "chilling" to witness Russian teenage skater Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure at the Beijing Olympics as a doping scandal continued to swirl, hitting out at the 15-year-old's entourage. The saga has opened a debate on the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors, but International Olympic Committee president Bach said the IOC had limited means of action. Valieva, who had been leading the women's figure skating event after the short programme, cracked in her free skate on Thursday night, and stumbled down to fourth place as compatriot Anna Shcherbakova skated to gold. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead "I must say I was very, very disturbed yesterday when I watched the competition on TV," Bach told a news conference. "How high the pressure on her must have been." Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships last December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after Valieva had already helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency lifted a provisional ban on her and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday rejected an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union (ISU) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to re-instate the suspension - therefore allowing her to compete in the single event on Tuesday and Thursday. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Joergen Graabak anchors Norway to gold in Nordic combined relay CHILLING TO SEE "To see her struggling on the ice, to see her, how she tries to compose herself again, how then she tries to finish her programme and you could see in every movement, in the body language, you could feel that this is immense, immense mental stress and maybe she would have preferred to just leave the ice and try to leave this story behind her," said Bach. Valieva left the ice hiding tears behind her hands and sobbed in the 'kiss and cry' area as her coach, Eteri Tutberidze, confronted her. "Why did you let it go? Explain it to me, why? Why did you stop fighting completely? Somewhere after the axel you let it go," Tutberidze said. That reaction confounded Bach, who said, it was "extremely important" to look into Valieva's entourage. ALSO READ: Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal "When I afterwards saw how she was received by her close entourage ... it was chilling to see this," said Bach. "Rather than giving her comfort, rather than to try to help her you could feel this chilling atmosphere, this distance and if you were interpreting the body language of them, it got even worse because this was even some kind of dismissive gestures. "All of this does not give me much confidence in Kamila's closest entourage." Bach admitted that the IOC, while it was addressing the matter, could not do much to control the group of people around any athlete. "We see we have extremely limited means to address it," he said. "We are not the police, we cannot interrogate and have a formal prosecution procedure; and our sanctions are extremely limited. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report "In the end, it's a question where we need the support of governments." WADA has said it was launching an investigation into Valieva's entourage, which also includes, among others, figure skating team doctor Filipp Shvetsky, who in the past had been suspended for doping athletes. Bach also said the IOC would also look into the rules applying to minors at competitions as Valieva was cleared to compete also due to the mitigating factor that she was 15. "In a fair competition the same rules have to apply to everybody," Bach said.

Beijing Olympics: Was 'chilling' to witness Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure, says IOC chief Thomas Bach

Russian teenager Kamila Valieva surprised the figure skating world by stumbling into fourth place in the women's singles event on Thursday, ensuring the Olympic medal ceremony could go ahead at the Beijing Games.

Her compatriot Anna Shcherbakova took gold with a total score of 255.95.&nbsp;

Fellow Russian Alexandra Trusova was second at 251.73 and Japan's Kaori Sakamoto came in third with 233.13.

Valieva, 15, wearing a sparkling black and red dress complete with bright red gloves, landed her opening quad, but faltered after her triple Axel, the first of a number of stumbles in the free skate routine to Maurice Ravel's "Bolero".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kamila-valieva-recieves-loud-cheers-breaks-down-after-returning-to-action-for-1st-time-since-doping-scandal-453839">Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal</a>

She threw her hands forward in frustration after her routine.

In the stands, loud cheers and applause greeted her arrival on the ice. Fans chanted her name after her stumble.

In a high-octane routine, Trusova attempted five quads, stepping out on at least one. She scored a season best 177.13 in the free skate. Shcherbakova attempted fewer quadruple jumps, but had fewer errors.

Coaches Eteri Tutberidze, Sergei Dudakov and Daniil Gleikhengauz leaned in rinkside watching every move of their figure skaters.

Valieva tested positive for a banned heart drug after the national championships on Dec. 25 but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, the day after she helped the ROC win the team competition.

Valieva was only cleared to compete in the women's single event by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-russian-kamila-valieva-had-3-drugs-used-to-treat-heart-conditions-in-sample-report-453687">Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report</a>

She is one of the youngest athletes to have a positive test revealed at the Olympics, prompting questions about the role of the adults around her and the continuing scourge of Russian doping in international sport. It has also fueled a debate over raising the age limit for figure skating.

American Tara Lipinski remains the youngest individual gold medallist in Olympic figure skating.

She was more than a month younger than Valieva when she won the women`s event in 1998 in Nagano, Japan, becoming the first to land a triple loop-triple loop in the women`s competition.

Russian teenager Kamila Valieva surprised the figure skating world by stumbling into fourth place in the women's singles event on Thursday, ensuring the Olympic medal ceremony could go ahead at the Beijing Games.

Russian teenager Kamila Valieva surprised the figure skating world by stumbling into fourth place in the women's singles event on Thursday, ensuring the Olympic medal ceremony could go ahead at the Beijing Games. Her compatriot Anna Shcherbakova took gold with a total score of 255.95. Fellow Russian Alexandra Trusova was second at 251.73 and Japan's Kaori Sakamoto came in third with 233.13. Valieva, 15, wearing a sparkling black and red dress complete with bright red gloves, landed her opening quad, but faltered after her triple Axel, the first of a number of stumbles in the free skate routine to Maurice Ravel's "Bolero". ALSO READ: Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal She threw her hands forward in frustration after her routine. In the stands, loud cheers and applause greeted her arrival on the ice. Fans chanted her name after her stumble. In a high-octane routine, Trusova attempted five quads, stepping out on at least one. She scored a season best 177.13 in the free skate. Shcherbakova attempted fewer quadruple jumps, but had fewer errors. Coaches Eteri Tutberidze, Sergei Dudakov and Daniil Gleikhengauz leaned in rinkside watching every move of their figure skaters. Valieva tested positive for a banned heart drug after the national championships on Dec. 25 but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, the day after she helped the ROC win the team competition. Valieva was only cleared to compete in the women's single event by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report She is one of the youngest athletes to have a positive test revealed at the Olympics, prompting questions about the role of the adults around her and the continuing scourge of Russian doping in international sport. It has also fueled a debate over raising the age limit for figure skating. American Tara Lipinski remains the youngest individual gold medallist in Olympic figure skating. She was more than a month younger than Valieva when she won the women`s event in 1998 in Nagano, Japan, becoming the first to land a triple loop-triple loop in the women`s competition.

Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva was in tears as she broke down after her performance in the women's individual short program at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 on Tuesday (February 15). Valieva took to the ice for the first time since the controversial doping scandal rocked her campaign at the Beijing Games.

15-year-old Valieva had tested positive for a banned substance - Trimetazidine, which is used to treat chest pain and angina. The drug is used for increasing the blood flow to the heart. It was banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) IN 2014.

However, Valieva was cleared to continue competing in the Winter Olympics by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which cited 'exceptional circumstances' for the decision. On Tuesday, the 15-year-old took to the ice for the first time since the doping scandal broke out and delivered an exceptional performance amid loud cheers from the fans present in the arena.

She was welcomed with rousing cheers at the start of her performance in the individual short program. She went on to score 82.16 in the event to finish on top and will now participate in the long program, which is also known as free skate in a bid to consolidate her gold medal hopes at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-russian-kamila-valieva-had-3-drugs-used-to-treat-heart-conditions-in-sample-report-453687">Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report</a>

The Russian figure skater was in tears as her emotions managed to get the better of her at the end of her performance in the short program. Nonetheless, there were many fans in the stadium who ensured the 15-year-old received their maximum support by cheering for her at the peak of their voices.

<img alt="Valieva breaks down" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e2b8ffb-1c7d-47bc-962d-228198dfba96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kamil%201.png" />

While there are strong chances of her finishing on top of the podium after the women's individual long program on Thursday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Monday that it would not hold a medal ceremony for the event if she finishes inside the top three.

“In the interest of fairness to all athletes and the NOCs concerned, it would not be appropriate to hold the medal ceremony for the figure skating team event during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 as it would include an athlete who on the one hand has a positive A-sample, but whose violation of the anti-doping rules has not yet been established on the other hand," the IOC said in a statement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva was in tears as she broke down after her performance in the women's individual short program at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 on Tuesday (February 15).

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva was in tears as she broke down after her performance in the women's individual short program at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 on Tuesday (February 15). Valieva took to the ice for the first time since the controversial doping scandal rocked her campaign at the Beijing Games. 15-year-old Valieva had tested positive for a banned substance - Trimetazidine, which is used to treat chest pain and angina. The drug is used for increasing the blood flow to the heart. It was banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) IN 2014. However, Valieva was cleared to continue competing in the Winter Olympics by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which cited 'exceptional circumstances' for the decision. On Tuesday, the 15-year-old took to the ice for the first time since the doping scandal broke out and delivered an exceptional performance amid loud cheers from the fans present in the arena. She was welcomed with rousing cheers at the start of her performance in the individual short program. She went on to score 82.16 in the event to finish on top and will now participate in the long program, which is also known as free skate in a bid to consolidate her gold medal hopes at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Also Read: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report The Russian figure skater was in tears as her emotions managed to get the better of her at the end of her performance in the short program. Nonetheless, there were many fans in the stadium who ensured the 15-year-old received their maximum support by cheering for her at the peak of their voices. While there are strong chances of her finishing on top of the podium after the women's individual long program on Thursday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Monday that it would not hold a medal ceremony for the event if she finishes inside the top three. “In the interest of fairness to all athletes and the NOCs concerned, it would not be appropriate to hold the medal ceremony for the figure skating team event during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 as it would include an athlete who on the one hand has a positive A-sample, but whose violation of the anti-doping rules has not yet been established on the other hand," the IOC said in a statement.

Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal

The doping case of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a one-month ban, is different from that of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at the Beijing Games, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

The IOC's comments come after Richardson, banned last year for a month for testing positive for cannabis, questioned a decision to allow Valieva to continue competing at the Winter Olympics amid an ongoing doping case.

"Every single case is very different. She (Richardson) tested positive on June 19 (2021), quite a way ahead of the Tokyo Games," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, started on July 23.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-russian-kamila-valieva-had-3-drugs-used-to-treat-heart-conditions-in-sample-report-453687">Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report</a>

"Her results came in early order for USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) to deal with the case on time, before the Games. Ms Richardson accepted a one month period of ineligibility which began on June 28."

"I would suggest that there isn't a great deal of similarity between the two cases," he said.

Richardson was expected to be one of the biggest draws in Tokyo after winning the 100 metres at the U.S. trials. She later said her action to consume cannabis was the result of mourning the death of her mother.

On Monday, however, she demanded an answer from the IOC over Valieva's continued participation at the Games.

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The 15-year-old Russian was tested on Dec. 25, 2021, but her results were reported only on Feb. 8, a day after she had won team gold in figure skating for the Russian Olympic Committee.

No Olympic medals will be awarded at the women's team event or in the single event if she finishes in the top three of that competition, pending the resolution of her ongoing doping case.

Valieva's automatic provisional suspension on Feb. 8 was lifted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency on Feb. 9 and an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency to have it reinstated was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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"Can we get a solid answer on the difference of (Valieva's) situation and mines?" Richardson wrote on Twitter on Monday. "My mother died and I can't run and was also favoured to place top 3. The only difference I see is I'm a black young lady."

"Failed in December and the world just now know however my result was posted within a week and my name &amp; talent was slaughtered to the people," Richardson said in another tweet.

The doping case of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a one-month ban, is different from that of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at the Beijing Games, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

The doping case of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a one-month ban, is different from that of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at the Beijing Games, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. The IOC's comments come after Richardson, banned last year for a month for testing positive for cannabis, questioned a decision to allow Valieva to continue competing at the Winter Olympics amid an ongoing doping case. "Every single case is very different. She (Richardson) tested positive on June 19 (2021), quite a way ahead of the Tokyo Games," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, started on July 23. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report "Her results came in early order for USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) to deal with the case on time, before the Games. Ms Richardson accepted a one month period of ineligibility which began on June 28." "I would suggest that there isn't a great deal of similarity between the two cases," he said. Richardson was expected to be one of the biggest draws in Tokyo after winning the 100 metres at the U.S. trials. She later said her action to consume cannabis was the result of mourning the death of her mother. On Monday, however, she demanded an answer from the IOC over Valieva's continued participation at the Games. ALSO READ: 'Stellar job': US skier alleges his Twitter account suspended after praising Covid rules at Winter Olympics The 15-year-old Russian was tested on Dec. 25, 2021, but her results were reported only on Feb. 8, a day after she had won team gold in figure skating for the Russian Olympic Committee. No Olympic medals will be awarded at the women's team event or in the single event if she finishes in the top three of that competition, pending the resolution of her ongoing doping case. Valieva's automatic provisional suspension on Feb. 8 was lifted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency on Feb. 9 and an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency to have it reinstated was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. ALSO READ: Russian Skater Kamila Valieva tops short programme standings in figure skating despite doping scandal "Can we get a solid answer on the difference of (Valieva's) situation and mines?" Richardson wrote on Twitter on Monday. "My mother died and I can't run and was also favoured to place top 3. The only difference I see is I'm a black young lady." "Failed in December and the world just now know however my result was posted within a week and my name & talent was slaughtered to the people," Richardson said in another tweet.

American sprinter Richardson's case 'different' from Kamila Valieva's: International Olympic Committee

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, whose doping case has rocked the Beijing Olympics, had three drugs that could be used to treat heart conditions in the sample she provided last December, the New York Times reported on Tuesday.

In addition to testing positive for the banned angina drug trimetazidine, the New York Times report said the Stockholm laboratory that analysed Valieva’s sample also found evidence of two other heart medications that are not on the banned list: hypoxen and L-Carnitine.

The New York Times cited documents filed in Valieva’s recent arbitration hearing and confirmed by someone who took part in the hearing.

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“It’s a trifecta of substances — two of which are allowed, and one that is not allowed,” United States Anti-Doping Agency Chief Executive Officer Travis Tygart said in the report.

Tygart added that the benefits of such a combination “seem to be aimed at increasing endurance, reducing fatigue and promoting greater efficiency in using oxygen.”

The Russian Olympic Committee did not immediately respond to a Reuters email seeking comment.

Valieva, 15, shrugged off her Olympic doping scandal to dominate the women’s competition on Tuesday with an emotional performance that put her ahead in the hunt for a gold medal that is unlikely to be awarded at the Beijing Games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-skater-kamila-valieva-tops-short-programme-standings-in-figure-skating-despite-doping-scandal-453550">Russian Skater Kamila Valieva tops short programme standings in figure skating despite doping scandal</a>

The teenager tested positive at her national championships on Dec. 25 but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, after she had already competed at the Beijing Games in the team event.

Valieva was cleared on Monday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to compete in the women’s singles event this week after a panel of three judges agreed with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency decision to lift a ban on her.

CAS, however, did not address the merits of her drug case, which now awaits a RUSADA hearing that is not expected until well after the Winter Games end.

Earlier on Tuesday, an International Olympic Committee official said Valieva has argued that her positive drug test was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather’s heart medication.

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, whose doping case has rocked the Beijing Olympics, had three drugs that could be used to treat heart conditions in the sample she provided last December, the New York Times reported on Tuesday.

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, whose doping case has rocked the Beijing Olympics, had three drugs that could be used to treat heart conditions in the sample she provided last December, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. In addition to testing positive for the banned angina drug trimetazidine, the New York Times report said the Stockholm laboratory that analysed Valieva’s sample also found evidence of two other heart medications that are not on the banned list: hypoxen and L-Carnitine. The New York Times cited documents filed in Valieva’s recent arbitration hearing and confirmed by someone who took part in the hearing. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: India's campaign ends as Mohammad Arif Khan records DNF in slalom “It’s a trifecta of substances — two of which are allowed, and one that is not allowed,” United States Anti-Doping Agency Chief Executive Officer Travis Tygart said in the report. Tygart added that the benefits of such a combination “seem to be aimed at increasing endurance, reducing fatigue and promoting greater efficiency in using oxygen.” The Russian Olympic Committee did not immediately respond to a Reuters email seeking comment. Valieva, 15, shrugged off her Olympic doping scandal to dominate the women’s competition on Tuesday with an emotional performance that put her ahead in the hunt for a gold medal that is unlikely to be awarded at the Beijing Games. ALSO READ: Russian Skater Kamila Valieva tops short programme standings in figure skating despite doping scandal The teenager tested positive at her national championships on Dec. 25 but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, after she had already competed at the Beijing Games in the team event. Valieva was cleared on Monday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to compete in the women’s singles event this week after a panel of three judges agreed with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency decision to lift a ban on her. CAS, however, did not address the merits of her drug case, which now awaits a RUSADA hearing that is not expected until well after the Winter Games end. Earlier on Tuesday, an International Olympic Committee official said Valieva has argued that her positive drug test was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather’s heart medication.

Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report

The Russian skater Kamila Valieva who has found herself amidst the doping scandal at the Winter Games defended her positive drug test by saying it was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather’s medication.

Russian skater claims positive drug test was mix-up with her grandfather's heart drug

Russian teenager Kamila Valieva dominated the ice on Tuesday night, fighting back tears as she completed a skate that put her at the top of the short programme standings.

The 15-year-old shook off the doping saga that has engulfed her during the Beijing Games, dazzling cheering spectators in the stands.

For two minutes and 40 seconds, millions around the world watched her every move on Olympic ice.

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The routine that had dazzled fans only days earlier in the team competition, got off to a less than perfect start.

She was expected to execute three high-flying triple jumps but stumbled on the opening triple Axel.

Valieva just about completed her triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, but her grace and precise footwork earned her a score of 82.16 - way below her 90.45 world-record performance from last month`s European championships.

She will progress to the free skate on Thursday when no medals will be awarded if Valieva, whose positive drug test has cast a shadow over the Olympics, finishes in the top three.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-2024-to-ensure-kamila-valieva-case-to-not-happen-again-453457">Paris Olympics organisers to ensure Kamila Valieva case to not happen again</a>

Valieva was cleared to compete by the sport's highest court, but will not face a hearing for her doping charge until well after the end of the Winter Games.

Olympic officials cannot award the medals until the doping case is resolved.

She tested positive for a banned heart drug after the national championships on Dec. 25, but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, after Valieva and her Russian Olympic Committee teammates had competed at the Beijing Games.

Her defence argued in the Court of Arbitration for Sport that her positive test was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather`s heart medication, an IOC official said Tuesday.

Russian teenager Kamila Valieva dominated the ice on Tuesday night, fighting back tears as she completed a skate that put her at the top of the short programme standings.

Russian teenager Kamila Valieva dominated the ice on Tuesday night, fighting back tears as she completed a skate that put her at the top of the short programme standings. The 15-year-old shook off the doping saga that has engulfed her during the Beijing Games, dazzling cheering spectators in the stands. For two minutes and 40 seconds, millions around the world watched her every move on Olympic ice. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen's stunning final leg ensures gold for Norway in biathlon relay The routine that had dazzled fans only days earlier in the team competition, got off to a less than perfect start. She was expected to execute three high-flying triple jumps but stumbled on the opening triple Axel. Valieva just about completed her triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, but her grace and precise footwork earned her a score of 82.16 - way below her 90.45 world-record performance from last month`s European championships. She will progress to the free skate on Thursday when no medals will be awarded if Valieva, whose positive drug test has cast a shadow over the Olympics, finishes in the top three. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics organisers to ensure Kamila Valieva case to not happen again Valieva was cleared to compete by the sport's highest court, but will not face a hearing for her doping charge until well after the end of the Winter Games. Olympic officials cannot award the medals until the doping case is resolved. She tested positive for a banned heart drug after the national championships on Dec. 25, but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, after Valieva and her Russian Olympic Committee teammates had competed at the Beijing Games. Her defence argued in the Court of Arbitration for Sport that her positive test was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather`s heart medication, an IOC official said Tuesday.

Russian Skater Kamila Valieva tops short programme standings in figure skating despite doping scandal

The organisers of the Paris 2024 Olympics said on Tuesday they want to make sure the doping case of Russian teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva, which has rocked the Beijing Olympics, does not cast a shadow on their own Summer Games.

"Paris 2024 is 100% committed to the fight against doping and is working in close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the fairness of the competitions in 2024 and the protection of athletes," they said in a statement to Reuters.

"We must use this situation (the Valieva case) to make sure that it does not happen again.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-2022-kamila-valieva-argued-positive-drug-test-was-mix-up-with-grandfathers-heart-medication-453431">Beijing Olympics 2022: Kamila Valieva argued positive drug test was mix-up with grandfather's heart medication</a>

"Our top priority will be the development and execution of an effective anti-doping program that protects the rights of athletes and the integrity of competitions."

Valieva, 15, has been cleared to further compete at the Beijing Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favour of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA)'s decision to lift her provisional ban after a positive drug test that was revealed at the Games, prompting outrage from athletes and officials around the world.

The organisers of the Paris 2024 Olympics said on Tuesday they want to make sure the doping case of Russian teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva, which has rocked the Beijing Olympics, does not cast a shadow on their own Summer Games.

The organisers of the Paris 2024 Olympics said on Tuesday they want to make sure the doping case of Russian teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva, which has rocked the Beijing Olympics, does not cast a shadow on their own Summer Games. "Paris 2024 is 100% committed to the fight against doping and is working in close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the fairness of the competitions in 2024 and the protection of athletes," they said in a statement to Reuters. "We must use this situation (the Valieva case) to make sure that it does not happen again. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics 2022: Kamila Valieva argued positive drug test was mix-up with grandfather's heart medication "Our top priority will be the development and execution of an effective anti-doping program that protects the rights of athletes and the integrity of competitions." Valieva, 15, has been cleared to further compete at the Beijing Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favour of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA)'s decision to lift her provisional ban after a positive drug test that was revealed at the Games, prompting outrage from athletes and officials around the world.

Paris Olympics organisers to ensure Kamila Valieva case to not happen again

The 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who has found herself amidst the doping scandal at the Winter Games defended her positive drug test by saying it was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather's medication, an Olympic official said on Tuesday.

Denis Oswald, the International Olympic Committee's permanent chair of the disciplinary commission, on Tuesday said Valieva claimed there was a mix-up at a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing.

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"Her argument was this contamination happened with a product her grandfather was taking," Oswald said. Notably, Ad Hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday declined to impose a provisional suspension on Kamila Valieva.

This means the fifteen-year-old Russian skater who was tested positive for a banned heart medication in December was given a green flag to participate in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Oswald also said that Valieva's "B" sample had yet to be analyzed, despite the initial positive result.

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The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took note of the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and later announced that should Valieva finish amongst the top three competitors in the Women's Single Skating competition, no flower ceremony and no medal ceremony will take place during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

"We want to allocate the medal to the right person," Oswald added in the press conference on no medal ceremony.

The 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who has found herself amidst the doping scandal at the Winter Games defended her positive drug test by saying it was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather's medication, an Olympic official said on Tuesday.

The 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who has found herself amidst the doping scandal at the Winter Games defended her positive drug test by saying it was caused by a mix-up with her grandfather's medication, an Olympic official said on Tuesday. Denis Oswald, the International Olympic Committee's permanent chair of the disciplinary commission, on Tuesday said Valieva claimed there was a mix-up at a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing. ALSO READ: Hosting the Olympics is costly. For China, it’s worth every billion "Her argument was this contamination happened with a product her grandfather was taking," Oswald said. Notably, Ad Hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday declined to impose a provisional suspension on Kamila Valieva. This means the fifteen-year-old Russian skater who was tested positive for a banned heart medication in December was given a green flag to participate in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Oswald also said that Valieva's "B" sample had yet to be analyzed, despite the initial positive result. ALSO READ: No medal ceremony if Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva wins at Beijing Winter Olympics The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took note of the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and later announced that should Valieva finish amongst the top three competitors in the Women's Single Skating competition, no flower ceremony and no medal ceremony will take place during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. "We want to allocate the medal to the right person," Oswald added in the press conference on no medal ceremony.

Beijing Olympics 2022: Kamila Valieva argued positive drug test was mix-up with grandfather's heart medication

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday (February 14) said that the flower and medal ceremonies&nbsp;will not take place if Russian teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva finishes among&nbsp;the top three in the women's single skating competition during the Winter Olympics 2022, which is underway in Beijing.&nbsp;

IOC will withhold medals from Valieva and from her competitors until the case is resolved.&nbsp;

IOC also said that there will also be&nbsp;no ceremony for the team event, won by Russia last week with Valieva playing a starring role.&nbsp;

The 15-year-old, who was tested positive for a banned substance, was allowed to compete at the Beijing Winter Olympics after a decision by the sport's top court on Monday (February 14).&nbsp;

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said it had upheld the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's decision to lift a ban on the 15-year-old Russian athlete.&nbsp;

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After the decision, IOC in a statement said, "In the interest of fairness to all athletes and the NOCs concerned, it would not be appropriate to hold the medal ceremony for the figure skating team event during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022."&nbsp;

It added, "It would include an athlete who on the one hand has a positive A-sample, but whose violation of the anti-doping rules has not yet been established on the other hand."&nbsp;

IOC said that the "management of the case after this positive A-sample has not yet been concluded" and it informed that "only after due process" can establish whether Valieva infringed the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) and would have to be sanctioned.&nbsp;

"This inconclusive situation led the IOC EB to the following decisions, after having had initial consultations with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) concerned," said IOC.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-kamila-valieva-to-compete-post-cas-ruling-citing-exceptional-circumstances-453132">Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva to compete post CAS ruling citing 'exceptional circumstances'</a>

Meanwhile, the US Olympic Committee said it was "disappointed" by the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to allow Valieva&nbsp;to compete again.&nbsp;

"We are disappointed by the message this decision sends," USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said, adding: "This appears to be another chapter in the systemic and pervasive disregard for clean sport by Russia."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday (February 14) said that the flower and medal ceremonies will not take place if Russian teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva finishes among the top three in the women's single skating competition during the Winter Olympics 2022, which is underway in Beijing.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday (February 14) said that the flower and medal ceremonies will not take place if Russian teenage figure skater Kamila Valieva finishes among the top three in the women's single skating competition during the Winter Olympics 2022, which is underway in Beijing. IOC will withhold medals from Valieva and from her competitors until the case is resolved. IOC also said that there will also be no ceremony for the team event, won by Russia last week with Valieva playing a starring role. The 15-year-old, who was tested positive for a banned substance, was allowed to compete at the Beijing Winter Olympics after a decision by the sport's top court on Monday (February 14). The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said it had upheld the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's decision to lift a ban on the 15-year-old Russian athlete. ALSO READ | Erin Jackson creates history, becomes first Black woman to win individual Winter Olympic gold After the decision, IOC in a statement said, "In the interest of fairness to all athletes and the NOCs concerned, it would not be appropriate to hold the medal ceremony for the figure skating team event during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022." It added, "It would include an athlete who on the one hand has a positive A-sample, but whose violation of the anti-doping rules has not yet been established on the other hand." IOC said that the "management of the case after this positive A-sample has not yet been concluded" and it informed that "only after due process" can establish whether Valieva infringed the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) and would have to be sanctioned. "This inconclusive situation led the IOC EB to the following decisions, after having had initial consultations with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) concerned," said IOC. ALSO READ | Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva to compete post CAS ruling citing 'exceptional circumstances' Meanwhile, the US Olympic Committee said it was "disappointed" by the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to allow Valieva to compete again. "We are disappointed by the message this decision sends," USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said, adding: "This appears to be another chapter in the systemic and pervasive disregard for clean sport by Russia."

No medal ceremony if Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva wins at Beijing Winter Olympics

The world's top anti-doping authority will investigate the entourage of 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who tested positive for a banned drug, plunging her into a doping scandal at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Valieva, whose Olympic future will be decided after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing at 8:30 p.m.

Beijing time (1230 GMT), effortlessly completed a clean run-through of her short programme in practice on Sunday.

Watching her from the sidelines were her three coaches, Eteri Tutberidze, Sergei Dudakov and Daniil Gleikhengauz, as well as the team doctor Filipp Shvetsky and a physiotherapist.

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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said in a statement to Reuters on Sunday that it would ask its independent Intelligence and Investigations Department to probe the coaches, doctors and other adults surrounding the athlete.

Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it had formally asked WADA to launch an investigation.

WADA also said that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) has indicated it has already started investigating the entourage because Valieva is a minor.

Valieva tested positive for a banned heart drug at her national championships last December, but it took more than six weeks for her to be notified, allowing her to compete in Beijing.

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>

Her future at the Games, and a gold for the Russian Olympic Committee in the team event that she dominated on Monday, now hang in the balance amid a global outcry over Moscow`s doping history.

Tutberidze, the most sought after figure skating coach in Russia, has not responded to Reuters emails.

On Saturday, she said she was certain Valieva was "clean and innocent" in an interview with Russian state television.

At 15, Valieva is one of the youngest athletes to have a positive test revealed at the Olympics, prompting outrage and questions about the role of the adults around her and the continuing scourge of Russian doping in international sport.

The IOC set up the entourage commission in 2010 as positive drug cases of athletes mounted in the 2000s, especially with the re-testing of samples of past Olympics.

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>

Russia's state-backed doping scandal after the 2014 Sochi Olympics made more apparent that athletes often did not act alone but were supported by a wider network, including medics, coaches, agents and family and friends.

The commission can sanction individuals for a number of violations that include doping, unsportsmanlike conduct and harassment. Sanctions can range from reprimands to permanent exclusion from the Olympics.

On Sunday, however, it will be Valieva's future at the Games that is debated. A panel of three judges for CAS will hear arguments from the IOC, WADA and International Skating Union to reinstate a ban lifted by the Russian Anti-Doping Authority on Feb. 9.

At stake is Valieva`s entry in the women's single event on Tuesday. CAS has said they will notify all parties on Monday.

The fate of the gold medal that has still not been awarded for the Feb. 7 women's team event is likely to take longer to clear up.

The world's top anti-doping authority will investigate the entourage of 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who tested positive for a banned drug, plunging her into a doping scandal at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

The world's top anti-doping authority will investigate the entourage of 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who tested positive for a banned drug, plunging her into a doping scandal at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Valieva, whose Olympic future will be decided after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing at 8:30 p.m. Beijing time (1230 GMT), effortlessly completed a clean run-through of her short programme in practice on Sunday. Watching her from the sidelines were her three coaches, Eteri Tutberidze, Sergei Dudakov and Daniil Gleikhengauz, as well as the team doctor Filipp Shvetsky and a physiotherapist. ALSO READ: Beijing 2022: Marius Lindvik strikes gold in ski jumping with a staggering 151.3-point second jump The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said in a statement to Reuters on Sunday that it would ask its independent Intelligence and Investigations Department to probe the coaches, doctors and other adults surrounding the athlete. Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it had formally asked WADA to launch an investigation. WADA also said that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) has indicated it has already started investigating the entourage because Valieva is a minor. Valieva tested positive for a banned heart drug at her national championships last December, but it took more than six weeks for her to be notified, allowing her to compete in Beijing. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: US Could Prosecute Russians in Kamila Valieva doping case, says USADA Chief Her future at the Games, and a gold for the Russian Olympic Committee in the team event that she dominated on Monday, now hang in the balance amid a global outcry over Moscow`s doping history. Tutberidze, the most sought after figure skating coach in Russia, has not responded to Reuters emails. On Saturday, she said she was certain Valieva was "clean and innocent" in an interview with Russian state television. At 15, Valieva is one of the youngest athletes to have a positive test revealed at the Olympics, prompting outrage and questions about the role of the adults around her and the continuing scourge of Russian doping in international sport. The IOC set up the entourage commission in 2010 as positive drug cases of athletes mounted in the 2000s, especially with the re-testing of samples of past Olympics. ALSO READ: Explainer: What is trimetazidine (TMZ), the drug at the centre of doping drama Russia's state-backed doping scandal after the 2014 Sochi Olympics made more apparent that athletes often did not act alone but were supported by a wider network, including medics, coaches, agents and family and friends. The commission can sanction individuals for a number of violations that include doping, unsportsmanlike conduct and harassment. Sanctions can range from reprimands to permanent exclusion from the Olympics. On Sunday, however, it will be Valieva's future at the Games that is debated. A panel of three judges for CAS will hear arguments from the IOC, WADA and International Skating Union to reinstate a ban lifted by the Russian Anti-Doping Authority on Feb. 9. At stake is Valieva`s entry in the women's single event on Tuesday. CAS has said they will notify all parties on Monday. The fate of the gold medal that has still not been awarded for the Feb. 7 women's team event is likely to take longer to clear up.

WADA to investigate Russian Kamila Valieva's doping scandal at Beijing Winter Olympics

The Russian coach of the 15-year-old figure skater embroiled in an Olympic doping scandal broke her silence on Saturday, saying she was certain Kamila Valieva was "clean and innocent".

Coach Eteri Tutberidze spoke to 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 Beijing Olympics hangs in the balance after the stunning revelation she had tested positive for a banned heart drug before winning the team event on Monday, but that the positive drug test report took more than six weeks to be made public.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-back-in-the-spotlight-with-russian-kamila-valievas-doping-case-at-beijing-winter-olympics-452386">WADA back in the spotlight with Russian Kamila Valieva's doping case at Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

She is due to compete again on Tuesday in the women's individual event. By then, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should have ruled on her case from a closed boardroom on the second floor of a Beijing hotel.

A spokeswoman for the Figure Skating Federation of Russia told state-owned news agency RIA that a decision on whether she would take the ice in the women's singles was expected by 6 p.m. Moscow time (2300 in Beijing/1500 GMT).

GLOBAL OUTRAGE

Valieva is one of the youngest athletes ever to test positive for doping at the Olympics, prompting global outrage from fans, athletes and anti-doping advocates.

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/shaun-white-on-his-farewell-tour-prepares-to-throw-his-last-mctwist-452240">Shaun White, on his farewell tour, prepares to throw his last McTwist</a>

The Kremlin - already facing 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.

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-olympics-2022-irans-saveh-shemshaki-suspended-after-failing-dope-test-452242">Winter Olympics 2022: Iran's Saveh-Shemshaki suspended after failing dope test</a>

"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.

The lab's director Anton Pohanka declined to comment.

On Saturday, the International Olympic Committee said the delay was a question for WADA.

"I can't speak directly about the delay," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. "It was a WADA-sanctioned lab in Stockholm so that is a question that should be directed to WADA."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-2022-nathan-chen-of-us-wins-long-awaited-skating-gold-452066">Beijing Olympics 2022: Nathan Chen of US wins long-awaited skating gold</a>

WADA 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 on Saturday, saying she was certain Kamila Valieva was "clean and innocent".

The Russian coach of the 15-year-old figure skater embroiled in an Olympic doping scandal broke her silence on Saturday, saying she was certain Kamila Valieva was "clean and innocent". Coach Eteri Tutberidze spoke to 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 Beijing Olympics hangs in the balance after the stunning revelation she had tested positive for a banned heart drug before winning the team event on Monday, but that the positive drug test report took more than six weeks to be made public. ALSO READ: WADA back in the spotlight with Russian Kamila Valieva's doping case at Beijing Winter Olympics She is due to compete again on Tuesday in the women's individual event. By then, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should have ruled on her case from a closed boardroom on the second floor of a Beijing hotel. A spokeswoman for the Figure Skating Federation of Russia told state-owned news agency RIA that a decision on whether she would take the ice in the women's singles was expected by 6 p.m. Moscow time (2300 in Beijing/1500 GMT). GLOBAL OUTRAGE Valieva is one of the youngest athletes ever to test positive for doping at the Olympics, prompting global outrage from fans, athletes and anti-doping advocates. 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: Shaun White, on his farewell tour, prepares to throw his last McTwist The Kremlin - already facing 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. 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. ALSO READ: Winter Olympics 2022: Iran's Saveh-Shemshaki suspended after failing dope test "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. The lab's director Anton Pohanka declined to comment. On Saturday, the International Olympic Committee said the delay was a question for WADA. "I can't speak directly about the delay," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. "It was a WADA-sanctioned lab in Stockholm so that is a question that should be directed to WADA." ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics 2022: Nathan Chen of US wins long-awaited skating gold WADA 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.

Kamila Valieva is 'clean and innocent' as coach Eteri Tutberidze breaks silence

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-back-in-the-spotlight-with-russian-kamila-valievas-doping-case-at-beijing-winter-olympics-452386">WADA back in the spotlight with Russian Kamila Valieva's doping case at Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shaun-white-on-his-farewell-tour-prepares-to-throw-his-last-mctwist-452240">Shaun White, on his farewell tour, prepares to throw his last McTwist</a>

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

The United States could prosecute the Russians involved in figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA), the head of the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, told Reuters on Friday.

The RADA bill was signed into U.S. law in 2020 and empowers American prosecutors to seek fines of up to $1 million and jail terms of up to 10 years, even for non-Americans, if actions have affected American athletes’ results.

Russian Valieva won gold in the team event on Monday but the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday the 15-year-old had earlier failed a drug test. The United States won silver and Japan bronze. read more

Olympic officials are now contesting Russia's decision to let her compete at the Beijing Winter Games.

"The act has been used to protect one Olympic Games," Tygart said, referring to last year's Tokyo Games. "It is going to be used to protect other Olympic Games when people continue to dope.

"You cannot make it up. We are living in the twilight zone. Clean athletes deserve better, and this poor young woman deserves better. She's getting chewed up (for doping) on top of being abused by the Russian state system."

The RADA gives U.S. authorities the power to prosecute individuals for doping schemes at international events involving American athletes, sponsors or broadcasters.

It was named after Grigory Rodchenkov, a former Russia anti-doping laboratory head who turned whistleblower and helped expose Russia's state-sponsored doping following the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

Russia has acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping rules but denies running a state-sponsored doping programme.

Valieva delivered one of the highlights of the Beijing Games so far when she landed the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition on Monday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-russia-doping-row-to-inedible-food-controversies-galore-at-beijing-winter-olympics-2022-452360">From Russia doping row to 'inedible' food: Controversies galore at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022</a>

Her Olympic dream, however, turned into a nightmare on Friday when the ITA revealed publicly that she had tested positive for banned angina drug Trimetazidine in a urine sample collected by Russian authorities at the national championships in St Petersburg on Dec 25.

The testing lab in Stockholm, Sweden, reported on Tuesday that her sample was positive, the day after she wowed the world and helped win the gold for her team, who are competing as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) due to doping sanctions.

It was not immediately clear why there was such a delay between her test and the result, which allowed her to travel to Beijing and take part in the first of her two events.

"Whoever was dealing with it simply, absolutely should have expedited it," Tygart said. "It is not that difficult to do. A five-week delay for a substance like this should not have happened.

"It is a catastrophic failure of the system to allow the star of the Games to have her sample not reported back close to five weeks, and then it gets reported the day after they won the team event.

"You shouldn’t be in a government or sport and (be) able to dope athletes and there be no consequence. It was exactly what happened in state-sponsored doping, and this is why the Rodchenkov Act was passed. It's the only way to address this behaviour.

"Many of us were disappointed in the initial state-sponsored doping (in Russia) that was exposed back in 2015, that those who orchestrated and conspired to abuse young athletes ... were not held accountable by their sport or their own governments."

Russian athletes at the Games are not competing under their flag, and their anthem is not played at any ceremonies following sanctions imposed for the widespread doping across many sports exposed after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

The sanctions are due to be lifted at the end of the year, but the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency cautioned earlier this month that Russia should not assume this would happen automatically.

The United States could prosecute the Russians involved in figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA), the head of the U.

The United States could prosecute the Russians involved in figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case under the American Rodchenkov Act (RADA), the head of the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, told Reuters on Friday. The RADA bill was signed into U.S. law in 2020 and empowers American prosecutors to seek fines of up to $1 million and jail terms of up to 10 years, even for non-Americans, if actions have affected American athletes’ results. Russian Valieva won gold in the team event on Monday but the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Friday the 15-year-old had earlier failed a drug test. The United States won silver and Japan bronze. read more Olympic officials are now contesting Russia's decision to let her compete at the Beijing Winter Games. "The act has been used to protect one Olympic Games," Tygart said, referring to last year's Tokyo Games. "It is going to be used to protect other Olympic Games when people continue to dope. "You cannot make it up. We are living in the twilight zone. Clean athletes deserve better, and this poor young woman deserves better. She's getting chewed up (for doping) on top of being abused by the Russian state system." The RADA gives U.S. authorities the power to prosecute individuals for doping schemes at international events involving American athletes, sponsors or broadcasters. It was named after Grigory Rodchenkov, a former Russia anti-doping laboratory head who turned whistleblower and helped expose Russia's state-sponsored doping following the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Russia has acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping rules but denies running a state-sponsored doping programme. Valieva delivered one of the highlights of the Beijing Games so far when she landed the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition on Monday. Also Read: From Russia doping row to 'inedible' food: Controversies galore at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 Her Olympic dream, however, turned into a nightmare on Friday when the ITA revealed publicly that she had tested positive for banned angina drug Trimetazidine in a urine sample collected by Russian authorities at the national championships in St Petersburg on Dec 25. The testing lab in Stockholm, Sweden, reported on Tuesday that her sample was positive, the day after she wowed the world and helped win the gold for her team, who are competing as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) due to doping sanctions. It was not immediately clear why there was such a delay between her test and the result, which allowed her to travel to Beijing and take part in the first of her two events. "Whoever was dealing with it simply, absolutely should have expedited it," Tygart said. "It is not that difficult to do. A five-week delay for a substance like this should not have happened. "It is a catastrophic failure of the system to allow the star of the Games to have her sample not reported back close to five weeks, and then it gets reported the day after they won the team event. "You shouldn’t be in a government or sport and (be) able to dope athletes and there be no consequence. It was exactly what happened in state-sponsored doping, and this is why the Rodchenkov Act was passed. It's the only way to address this behaviour. "Many of us were disappointed in the initial state-sponsored doping (in Russia) that was exposed back in 2015, that those who orchestrated and conspired to abuse young athletes ... were not held accountable by their sport or their own governments." Russian athletes at the Games are not competing under their flag, and their anthem is not played at any ceremonies following sanctions imposed for the widespread doping across many sports exposed after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The sanctions are due to be lifted at the end of the year, but the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency cautioned earlier this month that Russia should not assume this would happen automatically.

Beijing Winter Olympics: US Could Prosecute Russians in Kamila Valieva doping case, says USADA Chief

Russian figure skating sensation Kamila Valieva showed up for her scheduled practice at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday after Russian media reported the 15-year-old had tested positive for a banned substance.

The teenager was part of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) ensemble that won the figure skating team event on Monday, ahead of the United States and Japan. The ceremony to present her and her team mates with their Olympic medals has been delayed since then for unexplained legal reasons.

Wearing a navy blue hoodie, black tights with shorts over them and her hair tied in a bun, Valieva took to the ice just after 11 a.m. Her coach Eteri Tutberidze also attended.

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Despite the pressure surrounding her, the teenager performed quadruple jumps in practice, after becoming the first woman to complete a quad jump at an Olympics during her teams winning performance on Monday.

Valieva declined to answer questions in the mixed zone, the area where journalists interview athletes after competition.

Russian media reported on Wednesday that Valieva had returned a positive test, with newspapers RBC and Kommersant naming the drug as Trimetazidine, which is typically used to treat chest pain.

Repeated attempts to reach the ROC chef de mission by Reuters were unsuccessful. His phone was not answering, and the ROC office in Beijing was locked and unmanned on Thursday. The ROC on Wednesday declined to comment on the reports that Valieva had returned a positive test.

In a press conference on Thursday, the International Olympics Committee repeatedly refused to answer questions, citing concerns about legal process.

LEGAL ISSUE

With the USA and Japan waiting in the wings for their medals and questions swirling over whether Valieva will compete in her next event on Tuesday, the case is further complicated by the fact she is only 15.

According to WADA's world anti-doping code, athletes who commit doping violations should be publicly named, but this is not required if the person concerned is a minor under the age of 18.

In that case, according to rule 14.3.7, any optional public disclosure "shall be proportionate to the facts and circumstances of the case".

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David Howman, the former director-general of WADA, told Reuters that parental consent is required before minors are tested.

"It's the worst nightmare of any organisation for athletes to be competing and then return a positive test during the Games," Howman said.

"It's very unusual for a positive test to be returned between competition and the medal ceremony. Usually an athlete in that position would immediately be disqualified, but that hasn't happened here."

He said the only time he could remember a ceremony not taking place was when South African Caster Semenya won the 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams asked for patience and understanding from other figure skaters as the legal case unfolded. He said Olympics officials would work as quickly as possible to sort out the medal ceremony.

"We understand the athletes involved want a good outcome," Adams said.

RUSSIAN FORM

Russian athletes are competing at the Beijing Games without their flag and national anthem, because of sanctions against Russia for previous violations.

Russia has acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping rules but denies running a state-sponsored doping programme.

Valieva delivered one of the highlights of the Beijing Games so far when she landed the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition.

Figure skating is a prestige sport for Russia, in which it has an outstanding record at Olympic and world championships. Any move to penalise Valieva or strip the team of their medals would likely cause a national outcry.

Prominent journalist Vasily Konov, deputy general producer at Russian sports channel Match-TV, said without citing sources that the sample in question had been taken two months ago.

"The drug trimetazidine does not help an athlete in any way. At all. It was found in one single sample in December. A minuscule amount. Nothing in her samples before or since," he wrote on social media.

"There is no doping in the conventional sense. No! This cardiac drug has no impact on ... performance. Now leave Kamila in peace."

Former Russian pairs skater Tatiana Volosozhar, who won two gold medals at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, showed solidarity with Valieva on social media, calling for the use of the Russian hashtag #Iwillneverbelieve to send the teenager support.

Her post was "liked" on Instagram by Valieva herself.

Trimetazidine, or TMZ, works by increasing blood flow to the heart and limiting rapid swings in blood pressure. The drug is not approved for use in the United States. It has been on WADA's list of prohibited substances since 2014.

"It is not a drug that you would take accidentally, not something you would ordinarily be prescribed, and not something that you would expect a 15-year-old to be prescribed," Howman said.

"It is very disappointing and a real shame that Russians continue to test positive at major events after all that country has gone through."

Russian figure skating sensation Kamila Valieva showed up for her scheduled practice at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday after Russian media reported the 15-year-old had tested positive for a banned substance.

Russian figure skating sensation Kamila Valieva showed up for her scheduled practice at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday after Russian media reported the 15-year-old had tested positive for a banned substance. The teenager was part of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) ensemble that won the figure skating team event on Monday, ahead of the United States and Japan. The ceremony to present her and her team mates with their Olympic medals has been delayed since then for unexplained legal reasons. Wearing a navy blue hoodie, black tights with shorts over them and her hair tied in a bun, Valieva took to the ice just after 11 a.m. Her coach Eteri Tutberidze also attended. ALSO READ | How the ‘Garlic Girls’ overcame abuse to return to the Olympics Despite the pressure surrounding her, the teenager performed quadruple jumps in practice, after becoming the first woman to complete a quad jump at an Olympics during her teams winning performance on Monday. Valieva declined to answer questions in the mixed zone, the area where journalists interview athletes after competition. Russian media reported on Wednesday that Valieva had returned a positive test, with newspapers RBC and Kommersant naming the drug as Trimetazidine, which is typically used to treat chest pain. Repeated attempts to reach the ROC chef de mission by Reuters were unsuccessful. His phone was not answering, and the ROC office in Beijing was locked and unmanned on Thursday. The ROC on Wednesday declined to comment on the reports that Valieva had returned a positive test. In a press conference on Thursday, the International Olympics Committee repeatedly refused to answer questions, citing concerns about legal process. LEGAL ISSUE With the USA and Japan waiting in the wings for their medals and questions swirling over whether Valieva will compete in her next event on Tuesday, the case is further complicated by the fact she is only 15. According to WADA's world anti-doping code, athletes who commit doping violations should be publicly named, but this is not required if the person concerned is a minor under the age of 18. In that case, according to rule 14.3.7, any optional public disclosure "shall be proportionate to the facts and circumstances of the case". ALSO READ | Korean dress controversy at Beijing Olympics: China denies 'cultural appropriation' after row David Howman, the former director-general of WADA, told Reuters that parental consent is required before minors are tested. "It's the worst nightmare of any organisation for athletes to be competing and then return a positive test during the Games," Howman said. "It's very unusual for a positive test to be returned between competition and the medal ceremony. Usually an athlete in that position would immediately be disqualified, but that hasn't happened here." He said the only time he could remember a ceremony not taking place was when South African Caster Semenya won the 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin. IOC spokesman Mark Adams asked for patience and understanding from other figure skaters as the legal case unfolded. He said Olympics officials would work as quickly as possible to sort out the medal ceremony. "We understand the athletes involved want a good outcome," Adams said. RUSSIAN FORM Russian athletes are competing at the Beijing Games without their flag and national anthem, because of sanctions against Russia for previous violations. Russia has acknowledged some shortcomings in its implementation of anti-doping rules but denies running a state-sponsored doping programme. Valieva delivered one of the highlights of the Beijing Games so far when she landed the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition. Figure skating is a prestige sport for Russia, in which it has an outstanding record at Olympic and world championships. Any move to penalise Valieva or strip the team of their medals would likely cause a national outcry. Prominent journalist Vasily Konov, deputy general producer at Russian sports channel Match-TV, said without citing sources that the sample in question had been taken two months ago. "The drug trimetazidine does not help an athlete in any way. At all. It was found in one single sample in December. A minuscule amount. Nothing in her samples before or since," he wrote on social media. "There is no doping in the conventional sense. No! This cardiac drug has no impact on ... performance. Now leave Kamila in peace." Former Russian pairs skater Tatiana Volosozhar, who won two gold medals at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, showed solidarity with Valieva on social media, calling for the use of the Russian hashtag #Iwillneverbelieve to send the teenager support. Her post was "liked" on Instagram by Valieva herself. Trimetazidine, or TMZ, works by increasing blood flow to the heart and limiting rapid swings in blood pressure. The drug is not approved for use in the United States. It has been on WADA's list of prohibited substances since 2014. "It is not a drug that you would take accidentally, not something you would ordinarily be prescribed, and not something that you would expect a 15-year-old to be prescribed," Howman said. "It is very disappointing and a real shame that Russians continue to test positive at major events after all that country has gone through."

Beijing Olympics 2022: Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at practice after reports of failed drug test

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