“Sufficient Evidence of a Violation”: 16-Year-Old Kamila Valieva’s Doping Case at Beijing Winter Olympics Finally Headed to Court After Investigation

Kamila Valieva is a Russian figure skater who became a world sensation with the impeccable skills she demonstrated in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She has set nine world records to date, making her one of the most talented figure skaters. Sadly, her Olympic gold medal went on a waiting list after being tested positive for a drug test.

Kamila started focussing on figure skating at the age of five. Her mother has played an instrumental role in directing her focus on the sport. The 16-year-old enthralled the spectators with her finesse and skill. It is disheartening not only for Kamila but for the other medal winners, as the doping controversy suspended the medal ceremony. It has deprived the others of their magnificent moment. However, the latest developments have brought hope to the second-place United States, which would move up the rankings if the charges are proved true.

Investigations complete on Beijing Olympics 2022 stunner, Kamila Valieva

This week saw considerable progress in the probe of the doping violation committed by Kamila. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency announced the completion of the investigation. However, the results were not announced. Also, the next step in the process is to organize disciplinary hearings for the case.

“Given it appears that RUSADA’s investigation is over and the case is now headed to court, they must have found sufficient evidence of a violation or otherwise the case would be closed and WADA would be notified of its right to appeal,” U.S. Anti-Doping CEO Travis Tygart said in a text message to USA TODAY Sports.

READ MORE: Russian President Vladimir Putin Finally Stands Up for Controversial Olympian Kamila Valieva; Denies Dishonesty on Her Part During Beijing Games

Although the development suggests that the results do not look in favor of Kamila’s claim, one can’t be sure until it is heard from the apex authority.

What is the Way forward for Valieva here?

What would happen if Valieva is proven guilty? She could appeal to the CAS (Court of Arbitration of Sports). After exhausting all the appeals, the International Olympic Committee would make its call on whether Team Russia, led by Valieva, would keep its gold medal or be disqualified and stripped of it.

If that’s the case, the United States, standing second, will be given the gold medal, followed by Japan and Canada. They finished third and fourth in the competition. Also, it is necessary to note that it is a long process, and one’s guess on when the medal ceremony would be held will continue to linger for a while.

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Valieva is mired in a doping controversy after she tested positive for a banned substance, trimetazidine. It is used to increase blood flow to the heart. Consequently, the figure skater explained the probability of a mix-up of drugs with her grandfather’s as he uses it for his heart condition.