Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old Russian determine skater prodigy, reportedly failed a drug take a look at earlier than the group competitors on the Olympics in Beijing.
Because of this, the medal ceremony for the occasion has been delayed, the Worldwide Olympic Committee introduced in a press convention. The sports activities web site Contained in the Video games first recognized Valieva because the offender and Reuters later confirmed the report. The Worldwide Skating Union had stated the stalling was as a result of a authorized subject.
Valieva grew to become the primary feminine skater to land a quad bounce within the Olympics throughout her free skate program on Monday and was instrumental to Russia’s win within the group occasion. The Russian group bested the US and Japan. She additionally led the ladies’s singles standings in each the brief program and free skating.
Russian athletes on the Beijing Video games are representing the Russian Olympic Committee, slightly than the nation, with out their flag and nationwide anthem, due to penalties for earlier drug infractions.
Some had speculated that the drug that Valieva allegedly ingested was trimetazidine, a drugs that treats chest ache and assists with the cardiovascular system. The World Anti-Doping Company’s (WADA) lists trimetazidine as a metabolic modulator unlawful for competitors.
Valieva is technically a “Protected Particular person” beneath the World Anti-Doping Code, which stipulates that “an athlete who on the time of the anti-doping rule violation: has not reached the age of sixteen,” in line with Contained in the Video games. On condition that she is 15, her establish have to be hid if it’s decided she dedicated a drug violation.
“The ITA is conscious of the varied stories circulating concerning the postponed medal ceremony for the determine skating group occasion on the Olympic Winter Video games Beijing 2022,” the Worldwide Testing Company (ITA), which is chargeable for drug testing athletes on the match stated in a press release.
The company dismissed rumors and instructed individuals to attend for an official assertion earlier than reaching conclusions.
“Any announcement related to those occasions would all the time be publicly issued on the ITA’s web site and never commented on in any other case. No such announcement has been printed up to now,” it added.
The Worldwide Olympic Committee and the Worldwide Skating Union additionally declined to touch upon the state of affairs.