The determine skating occasions on the 2026 Winter Olympics started Friday morning, however Kamila Valieva sits out after courts upheld her doping ban.
2022 Beijing Olympics Controversy
Valieva burst onto the scene on the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics at age 15. She examined optimistic for the banned substance trimetazidine throughout a December 2021 occasion, simply weeks earlier than the Video games. Authorities cleared her to compete initially, and she or he helped safe Russia’s workforce occasion gold medal, later revoked.
Adam Rippon, former U.S. determine skater and coach to Mariah Bell in 2022, referred to as the ordeal heartbreaking on social media.
“This complete scenario is heartbreaking,” Rippon acknowledged. “This younger lady is simply 15. She’s a minor. The adults round her have fully failed her. They’ve put her on this terrible scenario and ought to be punished.”
Rippon emphasised accountability for adults concerned: “A optimistic take a look at is a optimistic take a look at. Testing detrimental now doesn’t negate the actual fact that there have been efficiency enhancing medicine concerned within the course of. It’s a f***ing disgrace. It didn’t want to return to this. SHE IS A CHILD.”
He continued, “They put her sport efficiency forward of her well being and well-being. F*** them. They’ve ruined this Olympic expertise for HER and for EVERYONE right here.”
4-12 months Ban and Medal Reallocations
In January 2024, the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport imposed a four-year ban on Valieva. The World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) praised the ruling, stating, “The doping of youngsters is unforgivable.” WADA added, “Medical doctors, coaches or different help personnel who’re discovered to have offered performance-enhancing substances to minors ought to face the complete pressure of the World Anti-Doping Code.”
The choice dropped Russia to bronze within the workforce occasion, elevating the USA to gold. Debate persists over whether or not minors deserve adult-level penalties for doping.
Remaining Attraction Rejected
Valieva’s final attraction failed in October 2025 earlier than the Swiss Federal Tribunal. Judges dominated a good portion of her arguments relied on post-decision proof. Her protection didn’t submit supporting paperwork from the Saugy report, cited as key proof. She should additionally cowl substantial prices and damages.
Different Impartial Athletes Compete
Whereas Valieva stays sidelined, choose Russian and Belarusian skaters take part as particular person impartial athletes regardless of broader IOC restrictions on their nations. Rivals embody Russians Adeliia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik, plus Belarusian Viktoriia Safonova.
