Russia Clears Skater in Doping Controversy, WADA May Appeal

• Valieva may not be able to compete in Milano Cortina in 2026.
• She is only permitted to skate in domestic competitions because of the prohibition.
• The WADA quickly questioned the Russian decision.

Russian sports officials determined Friday that figure skater Kamila Valieva was not at fault for testing positive for a banned substance, a decision that is likely to be appealed.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that it has “been informed by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) that its disciplinary panel” determined that Valieva “had ‘no responsibility or negligence’ ” for a Dec. 25, 2021 test result revealed during the Beijing Olympics.

The WADA quickly questioned the Russian decision and implied that the case would be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“However, based on the elements of the case with which WADA is already familiar, the Agency is concerned by the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ and will not hesitate to exercise its right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as appropriate,” according to the WADA statement.

Valieva, who entered Beijing as the overwhelming favourite to win the gold medal, is facing a four-year sentence at the hands of WADA.

Only after the Olympics was it made public that she had tested positive for trimetazidine during the Russian Figure Skating Championships in St. Petersburg, casting a shadow on her performance.

A nearly flawless short programme put Valieva on top of the leaderboard, but a terrible free skate a few days later sent her crashing off the podium.
Since Russian athletes have been barred from international competition as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Valieva’s future in the sport has been in doubt.

She is only permitted to skate in domestic competitions because of the prohibition.

At the 2023 Russian Figure Staking Championships, Valieva’s rendition of Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams performance became a sensation.

In that contest, which was won by 15-year-old Sofia Akateva, Valieva came in second place.

Even at the young age of 16, there is no assurance that Valieva will be able to compete in Milano Cortina in 2026 due to the fact that Russia’s successful figure skating programme is known for rotating through fresh, younger talent.

Also Read

Putin appreciates Kamila Valieva’s efforts in Figure skating

Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended teen figure skater Kamila Valieva, claiming...