Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, 15, was the main attraction at the Winter Olympics in Beijing on Tuesday (15). Involved in a doping scandal and released to compete after a decision by the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport), she ended up leading the first day of individual figure skating competitions.
After finishing her performance, she left the dance floor crying.
Valieva almost crashed on the first triple move, but had no problems for the rest of the performance. She scored 82.16 points, more than eight short of her world record. But it was enough to stay ahead of the main competitors, among them her compatriots Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova.
The three Russians are coached by coach Eteri Tutberidze, who will be investigated over Valieva’s doping. She tested positive on December 25, after competition in Moscow. Trimetazidine, indicated for cardiovascular problems, was found in the athlete’s examination.
The defense presented to Valieva was of accidental doping. The Russian agency suspended it as soon as the result, made by a Swedish laboratory, was released, but it reversed the next day. Since then, it has been defended by members of the country’s government.
“These days have been really hard for me. I’m happy but emotionally tired. This process has taught me that adulthood can be unfair in a way,” she said.
The case of the skater, world record holder and one of the favorites for gold in Beijing, opened a crisis in the Games. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) has communicated that if she wins a medal, the podium ceremony will be suspended. She helped Russia (which competes without its flag and anthem because of punishment over a doping scandal) to team gold and there was also no prize-giving.
In a decision released by CAS, it was defined that Valieva can compete until the case is definitively judged. This was due to his age. By the rules of WADA (international anti-doping agency), she cannot, as a teenager, end up responsible and the investigation will focus on her trainer, doctors and staff.
The final is scheduled for next Thursday (17).
Brazil ahead only of Jamaica
The Brazilian duo Edson Bindilatti and Edson Martins finished 29th among 30 bobsleader competitors in Beijing. They were ahead only of the Jamaica team.
The podium was dominated by Germany. Francesco Friedrick and Thosten Margis won the gold. Doubles from the country also took silver and bronze.
Wrong way
The Norwegian Jarl Magnus Riiber easily led the cross country ski race in the Nordic combined (a modality that combines jumping and skiing). He had a 50 second head start when he realized he had missed the course. He had to come back, was overtaken and the unnecessary effort made him cross the finish line in 8th place.
Free from Covid-19
The COB (Brazilian Olympic Committee) announced that Michel Macedo is cleared by the Games organization to compete in alpine skiing.
The Brazilian had been diagnosed with Covid-19 when he landed in Beijing and had to go into quarantine. He was released for having had two negative tests within 24 hours.
He will compete this Wednesday (16), at 23:15 (Brasilia time).
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