How Many Medals Will Russian Figure Skater Kamila Valieva Lose After The 4 Year Doping Ban?

Kamila Valieva, the 17-year-old Russian figure skater has contributed much to herself and the field ever since she made her international debut in 2019. Junior Grand Prix, Russian Championships, Olympics, and more have framed the youngster’s career celebrations so far. However, with recent developments over anti-doping charges, the 17-year-old stands to find a few of these erased.

Back in December 2021, Kamila Valieva failed the doping test that placed her under years-long scrutiny by anti-doping bodies. After years of pending decisions, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced its conclusion, inclusive of a 4-year ban on Valieva. The decision further declares to cancel out the 17-year-old’s results since the investigation and here’s what the youngster will lose.

Kamila Valieva to miss on medals

On Monday CAS announced that all the ‘competitive results’ achieved since testing positive were to be considered void following the conclusion. Trimetazidine, a heart medication that can boost endurance is what Kamila Valieva tested positive for a day after her short program victory at the 2022 Russian Championships. The competitive results that followed further, including the Olympics until December 2025; brings the tally to 5 approximately.

Following her performance at the Russian Championships, Kamila Valieva headed to the European Championships in January 2022. She finished first in the short program and became the first woman to break the 90-point barrier. Next on the list came the biggest stage of her career yet, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She secured yet another first-place finish in the short program, further helping her team place first. In March, Valieva contested in a Russian domestic competition to earn silver and end the 2021/22 season.

In the 2022/23 season, as Russian and Belarusian athletes remained banned from international events, Kamila Valieva focused on domestic more; winning two gold medals. However, while the recent ones get taken away, Valieva stands to possess a few from earlier seasons.

The figure skater’s past tally

Kamila Valieva made her international debut in late August 2019 at a Junior Grand Prix. The youngster placed 3rd in the short program and first in the free skate and went on to win gold. She then contested at the 2020 World Junior Championships to become the title holder for the season. Throughout her career, Valieva has set nine world records and currently stands as the record holder for women’s short program, free skating, and total scores.

Also Read: “I Deserve to Be Successful and Happy”: 17-Year-Old Russian Figure Skater Vouch to Be Strong After Olympic Doping Controversy Left Her Disgraced

As per CAS’ announcement on Jan 29 2024, the decision has been set as “final and binding.” However, parties still own a chance to appeal the Swiss Federal Tribunal “within 30 days on limited grounds.”

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