Controversial Beijing Olympics Russian Figure Skater Kamila Valieva’s Career in Danger

It has been more than a year now since the Kamila Valieva doping controversy began. The controversy led the gold medalists of figure skating in the Beijing Olympics 2022 to remain unsure of their victory to date. Recently, the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed for a four-year ban on the figure skater from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They did so after seeing the investigation report by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency. What did their report say? 

Despite Valieva’s administration of the prohibited substance being acknowledged by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, they have concluded that she “bore no fault or negligence.” Now, let us have a look at what the WADA has to say about the appeal. Moreover, what will happen if the CAS accepts WADA’s appeal? Let us find out.

Kamila Valieva’s fate for the next three years lies in the hands of the CAS

Kamila Valieva was found positive in her doping test on 25th December 2021. However, she still competed in the Beijing Olympics and also clinched gold. WADA has been looking into Valieva’s doping violation for a year and is still working to get her issued a four-year suspension. The recent judgment by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency was challenged by WADA on Tuesday, according to the Washington Post. What will happen if she is concluded guilty and banned for four years?

Firstly, let’s have a look at the statement released by WADA. They stated, “WADA considers the finding by the disciplinary tribunal of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency that the athlete bore ‘no fault or negligence’ to be wrong under the terms of the World Anti-Doping Code in this case and has exercised its right to lodge an appeal.” 

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Now, in case the CAS decision goes in favor of WADA, Valieva and other Russian skaters in the team will lose their gold medals. On the other hand, the medals will be passed on to the US skating team, who stood as the runner-up.

The ask for the four-year ban by WADA begins from the date when she tested positive. Henceforth, it will be effective till 25th December 2025. However, the ball is in the CAS’s court now, and their decision will determine Valieva’s future. However, the scandal has already brought massive changes in the IOC rules, as the age limit has been set to 17 years of age for competing in the Olympics. 

What do you think about WADA’s appeal to the CAS? Will it be able to change the consequences? Let us know in the comments section.

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