The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled: the Russian skater Kamila Valieva will be able to participate in the individual event at the Beijing Games. A decision that has aroused many reactions in the world of figure skating, but also in other spheres.
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Testing positive for trimetazidine at the end of December, Valieva had only received her result following the conclusion of the team competition which had been won by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). The medal ceremony for this event was then given.
At the time, she received a provisional suspension from the Russian Anti-Doping Agency. This was lifted the next day for nebulous reasons. The World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have decided to take the case to CAS.
Photo Ben Pelosse
Meagan Duhamel and partner Eric Radford at the figure skating gala at the 2018 PyeongChang Games.
Too young
However, the two organizations were not successful in particular because of the age of Valieva who is less than 16 years old. Athletes of this age are entitled to reduced sanctions.
“It’s a terrible mess,” explained the director of the sports doping control laboratory at the INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Christiane Ayotte..
“There is confusion on several points. The Russian anti-doping agency seems to me once once more completely amateurish in this story. They gave a test on December 25. Did they expect lab workers to work during the week off when they weren’t warned that there would be urgent samples to process? I find that awful. »
Even if the CAS judges are neutral, they did not have much time to render their decision.
“They had to make a quick decision without going to the bottom of things,” adds Mme Ayotte. The parties must present the file quickly. They made a decision that does not suit anyone. »
However, Valieva’s file will be reassessed in the coming months. She might lose all her Olympic titles and medals.
“The case will be heard on the merits. Since this is a file involving a minor, the entourage will be investigated. She may have been doped without her knowledge. One thing is clear: Russia is not out of its doping problems. »
Photo AFP
Kamila Valieva has been in turmoil at the Beijing Games since her positive doping test result was revealed.
Not a novelty
Russian athletes have been using trimetazidine for a long time. Laboratories regularly found it in their urine.
In the not so distant past, this drug was sent in large quantities to teams and athletes. They were distributed like any other supplement according to Mr.me Ayotte.
“It was used by athletes who were in disciplines that require endurance. It was banned in 2014. It had been eight years since the Russians might use it, but we have just found it in a 15-year-old junior. The CIO is backed up once morest the wall and nothing has been resolved. What throws me to the ground is that there is still confusion when we talk regarding doping in Russia. It just tells us that the message hasn’t got through yet. »
She does not throw stones at Valieva.
“She’s a minor. It’s a little girl. She cannot make a clear diagnosis. There is no consent on his part. Doping is a kind of abuse. It is a technique of control. They [les athlètes] are like bicycles. They are replaceable. If it’s not her, it’s someone else. »
Who is Kamila Valieva?
A 15-year-old Russian who is considered a prodigy in the world of figure skating. She finished first at the Russian (end of 2021) and European (beginning of 2022) Championships. A big favorite to win gold in the individual competition, she landed a quadruple jump in the team competition, a first in Olympic history.
What is trimetazidine?
It is a drug prescribed to treat angina pectoris problems. It would allow the athlete who consumes it to have better blood circulation or to act as a stimulant. It is a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency since 2014.
Why is it making headlines at the Beijing Games?
Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine in a test that was performed on December 25. The result was known only at the conclusion of the team contest which was won by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).
Did the IOC impose any sanctions on him?
The IOC has announced that there will be no medal ceremony if Valieva takes the podium at the end of the individual event. She might have one only at the end of the procedures which might take several months.
How is Canada affected by this case?
If the ROC team had been stripped of its gold medal, Canada, who finished fourth, would have taken the bronze medal. The United States (gold) and Japan (silver) would have completed the podium.
What were the consequences for Valieva?
As soon as the results were known, Valieva was suspended by the Russian Anti-Doping Committee (RUSADA). However, this provisional suspension was lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. She will be able to participate in the individual competition. However, her file will be reviewed in the coming months and she might be suspended for a period of two years due to her age.
What they said…
“It’s a mess. The sport doesn’t look good and that’s not what the Olympics should be. Kamila is young. It didn’t come from her, but it happened to her. We are frustrated with this decision. »
– Kurt Browning, former world champion, to CBC
“Athletes who violate anti-doping laws cannot participate in the Games. This is a principle that must be applied without exception. The efforts and dreams of all athletes are equally valuable. »
– Yuna Kim, Vancouver gold medalist
“Athletes have the right to know that they are fighting with equal chances. Today, this right has been denied. This appears to be a new chapter in Russia’s systemic and widespread disregard for clean sport. »
– Sarah Hirshland, President of the United States Olympic Committee
“I am angry, disappointed and furious. To have a clean competition and to be under 18 are two different things. It’s so unfair to the clean athletes of this event and the Olympics. »
– Ashley Wagner, former Olympic medalist
“I am so angry. Women’s competition is a farce. This is not an actual competition and unless there is a surprise, there will be no medal ceremony. Clean athletes, who have made their way without the aid of doping products to get to the Games, will be deprived of their moments. What a shame ! »
– Adam Rippon, former American skater
“It is extremely unfortunate and sad for the athletes. The COC is fully committed to clean sport and we firmly believe that no one involved in doping or other corrupt practices has a place in the Olympic Movement. »
– Tricia Smith, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee