A case of doping within the team of the Russian Olympic Committee (COR) could explain the decision of the IOC not to have proceeded to the presentation of medals two days after the competition of figure skating by teams at the Beijing Olympics.
The award ceremony for COR gold, US silver and Japan bronze did not go ahead as planned on Tuesday. Canada took fourth place.
The IOC had justified its decision by what it described as “legal problems”, without providing further explanation. However, we know that the Olympic Committee had to consult the International Skating Union. Spokesman Mark Adams also admitted that “medal-winning athletes were involved”.
Then, the Russian newspaper RBC reported that young star skater Kamila Valieva, 15, had received a positive result in a doping test during a competition held before the Games.
Valieva reportedly tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned drug used to treat heart problems. The faulty sample would have been detected just before the victory of the skater at the European championship held last month in Estonia. A triumph that had solidified her position as the leader of the Russian women’s delegation in figure skating.
This case of doping could cost the gold medal to the COR team and deprive the young athlete of a chance to win a medal in the individual competition which is due to begin on Tuesday. She is greatly favored to win among the ladies.
She has not trained in Beijing since the end of the team competition. Her trainer Eteri Tutberidze continues to oversee the preparation of her other two protégés Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova, who would become the new favorites if Valieva were to retire.
Trimetazidine is a metabolic agent that helps prevent angina and helps treat vertigo, according to the European Medicines Agency. This substance is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency because it can improve endurance and optimize blood circulation.
It has not yet been clarified whether Valieva has a medical exemption in order to consume this drug. His medical history regarding heart health is also unknown.
The IOC and the International Control Agency, responsible for doping tests at the Olympics, both declined to comment on the case. This is a delicate situation for these organizations since according to the rules of the World Anti-Doping Code, underage athletes have protection preventing them from being identified.
Reporters questioned the Kremlin amid speculation that the gold medals won by the six Russian skaters could be in jeopardy.
“Let us wait, for the sake of understanding, for explanations either from our sports officials or from the IOC,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
If an athlete and team were disqualified or had their results overturned, an appeal would likely follow, which could further delay the awarding of medals.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has opened an office in Beijing to hear urgent cases during the Winter Games.
With the Associated Press