- The 24th Winter Games in Beijing continue for the only 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valiewa.
- The International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) refrains from a suspension regardless of a suspicion of doping.
- The decision will be made one day before the start of the individual competition, in which the Russian will be given a chance to win a medal.
After a hearing with the young athlete that lasted more than five and a half hours until late at night, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) allowed Kamila Valiyeva to continue at the Winter Games. As a result, an ad hoc three-man commission overturned a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) by means of urgent proceedings.
The decision is primarily based on the youthful age of the only 15-year-olds.
There should be no irreparable damage
The CAS explained that its judgment was related to Valiyeva’s status as a “protected person”. In addition, she had not tested positive during Beijing. Keeping the Russian away from an Olympic start under these circumstances could do her irreparable harm.
On Tuesday, just one day after the eagerly awaited verdict, Valiewa is scheduled to launch the women’s individual competition with the short program. On paper, the young European champion has the level to be able to fight for gold in the Chinese metropolis. But now the question arises as to whether the talent can withstand the huge pressure on his person.
Team gold and then the accusation
Immediately after the neutral-flagged Russia won team gold, an extraordinary frenzy erupted in Beijing. Valiewa, who had contributed significantly to the triumph with a brilliant performance, was targeted by the doping investigators. The award of the medals for the mixed competition format, which was only held for the third time at the Olympics, is still pending a week later.
Legend:
Participation in the individual was preceded by uncertainty
Kamila Valiewa still got the green light.
key stone
It was only later that it became known that Valiyeva was said to have used the banned substance trimetazidine at the Russian championships in St. Petersburg at the end of last year. According to WADA, the drug can increase endurance and blood flow. The suspension of the athlete was lifted by the Russian anti-doping agency Rusada in Beijing despite a positive sample.
The age question is raised again
As a result, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and WADA appealed against the decision and turned to the CAS. The arbitral tribunal decided – for the time being for the rest of the Winter Games – in the interests of the athlete.
The case also triggers discussions about the minimum age for participants in the Olympics.