Amidst Kamila Valieva’s Doping Scandal, American Figure Skater Shuts Down Speculation Around Olympic Committee

The 29th of January stood out to be an integral day for the figure skating industry or sports as a whole. A 4-year ban and the dismissal of all competitive results since the investigation were the measures included in the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision for Kamila Valieva. However, while the step was deemed right toward highlighting the sport’s integrity, enthusiasts believed it held its flaws, leaving the internet in a split.

Kamila Valieva was 15 years old when she tested positive for a substance banned by the governing body. The events that followed entailed numerous arguments on the presentation of truth and accountability. Today, as the CAS’s decision still floats around, former Olympic figure skating star Ashley Wagner has stepped forward to offer her insights.

Kamila Valieva’s case leaves enthusiasts in a split

Ashley Wagner, the 2014 Olympic bronze medalist, recently took to her X profile to respond to a comment on the CAS decision. “Banning a minor—who has no power/authority under *any* system… is both irrational and cruel,” the initial comment read. The figure skating champion reasoned against the remark stating that “every athlete plays by the same rules.” She further added that if one were eligible to compete at the Olympics, one is old enough to be held up to the standards. However, speaking of the power dynamics, the Olympian agreed that Kamila Valieva might be held in a tragic situation.

Trimetazidine was the drug that Kamila Valieva tested positive for in December 2021. The medication is used for heart conditions and the figure skating star’s lawyers argued that Valieva “had inadvertently ingested” it. However, while the means and intentions remain unknown, governing authorities of doping and Russia have each reasoned actions from their perspectives.

Authorities present their views

The CSA’s discussion extending for over two years included consulting numerous anti-doping bodies to frame the conclusion. Owning to multiple narratives and views on the effects trimetazidine held, the governing body seemed to elongate the process. However, with the announcement of the decision, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) provided its statement. “The doping of children is unforgivable… [authorities] who are found to have provided performance-enhancing substances to minors should face the full force of the World Anti-Doping Code,” it further added.

Also Read: Russian Coach’s Cruel Behavior Towards Inconsolable Kamila Valieva During Olympics Revealed in an Unearthed Video

Despite all the ruckus and conclusions, the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) however, stood by its figure skating stars. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the committee did not support the decision. Rather, the committee hailed their athletes as Olympic champions. “They will always remain Olympic champions,” he says. Whatever the decision, to each, stands their truth.

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