In a startling twist during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the Russian figure skating team faced the aftermath of Kamila Valieva’s disqualification over a doping case. Despite the setback of losing their star skater, the ISU declared Russia would receive bronze medals, securing a one-point lead over Canada. Notably, the United States claimed the coveted title of Olympic champion in the team event, while Japan ascended to the silver medal position.
Valieva’s disqualification was handed down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This decision reverberated through the figure skating community. The ISU released the revised team order in response. A wave of anger erupted among fans following this development. Despite the disqualification, Russia was granted the bronze medal. This decision fueled discontent and added a layer of controversy to an already tumultuous situation.
Christine Brennan unmasks ISU controversy
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Renowned USA Today columnist Christine Brennan recently highlighted a crucial development in the aftermath of Kamila Valieva’s disqualification at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. In a thought-provoking post on X, Brennan shed light on the questionable decision-making by the International Skating Union (ISU) in the early hours of the morning. Expressing her concerns, she revealed that the ISU released a new team order: USA, Japan, and Russia. Brennan further emphasized the lack of transparency as she reached out to the ISU at 5:22 am, questioning why two crucial points, one in the short program and one in the free skate, were not added to the scores of other women moving up after Valieva’s disqualification.
The ISU sent out this new team order — USA, Japan and Russia — at 4:39 am ET. At 5:22, I emailed about their math, asking why two points weren’t added (1 in SP, 1 in LP) to the other women who would move up after Valieva’s DQ? Canada would be 3rd in that case. Still no response. pic.twitter.com/RpsG6dCgbM
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) January 30, 2024
In this scenario, Canada would rightfully claim the third position. Despite her inquiry, there was still no response from the ISU, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty and frustration. Adding to the complexity of the situation, Brennan shared the updated point totals.
The USA secured a total of 65 points, followed by Japan with 63. The Russian Olympic Committee with 54, Canada with 53, and the People’s Republic of China with 50. This prompted fans to turn on the governing body, questioning the fairness and integrity of the entire scoring process following Kamila Valieva’s ban.
Outcry over ISU decision sparks calls for accountability and fairness over Kamila Valieva case
In the aftermath of the ISU’s controversial decision following Kamila Valieva’s disqualification, fans took to X to voice their sentiments, reflecting a mix of disbelief, frustration and calls for justice. One impassioned fan pointed out the apparent injustice, stating, “Looks like Skate Canada needs to appeal these results.”
Looks like Skate Canada needs to appeal these results. Absolutely ridiculous to not move all the women up one spot when one was disqualified. She shouldn't have been competing, so why is everyone else made to suffer because of her? https://t.co/Mfx7ZvKLiZ
— Canadian FS News (@CanadianFSNews) January 30, 2024
Meanwhile, another fan, expressing a blend of exasperation and incredulity, remarked, “Did they make this call from a conference room at the baby Olympics?”
Did they make this call from a conference room at the baby Olympics? https://t.co/TfmFUkE8dF
— zam boni (@tea_zamboni) January 30, 2024
Expressing a mix of disbelief and frustration, another comment read, “Lmao, oh my god, this is even more f**ked than I thought.”
Lmao oh my god this is even more fucked than I thought https://t.co/CYShfilFSF
— Sydney Bauer (@femme_thoughts) January 30, 2024
A fan, seemingly exasperated by the prolonged wait for results, exclaimed, “Since we’ve waited 2 years for results, the least they can do is get it right!”
Since we've waited 2 years for results the least they can do is get it right! 🤦🏼♀️ ROC should not be rewarded for doping. C'mon ISU be better! #2022Beijing https://t.co/AEBASHRAA6
— Jobi Linn Schaeffer, MBA ☮️ 🟦 (@Jobilinn) January 30, 2024
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This fan contributed a comprehensive perspective, describing the situation as “absolutely WILD.” Criticizing the ISU’s handling of the Valieva doping scandal.
This is absolutely WILD. Two years after Beijing 2022, the #Valieva doping scandal is resolved, but the ISU appears to have miscalculated the new rankings (see below) AND are ignoring their own rules (see responses below the tweet) – giving Russia the bronze instead of Canada! https://t.co/ohGElZhFJp
— Mark Dreyer (@DreyerChina) January 30, 2024
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The overarching sentiment from fans underscored a collective call for accountability and a fair resolution in the wake of the Valieva doping scandal
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