The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) allowed the Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva to continue competing in the Olympics, despite a banned substance found in her doping test at the end of December.
In its decision, CAS noted that 15-year-old Valieva, due to her age, belongs to the category of “protected athletes”, and the RUSADA and WADA anti-doping rules do not say anything about the provisional suspension imposed on such individuals. The court also noted that the untimely notification of the results (1.5 months after passing) the test deprived the athlete of the opportunity to receive timely legal assistance.
The world, unlike Russia, took the CAS decision with hostility. The International Olympic Committee refused to hold award ceremonies with the participation of Valieva, and the heads of multi-member organizations and eminent athletes expressed their disagreement.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
“WADA recognizes the CAS decision announced today to lift Valieva’s temporary suspension. The appeal to CAS in this case was based on WADA's position that the decision of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) disciplinary committee to lift the athlete's provisional suspension did not comply with the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code. Therefore, WADA is disappointed with today's CAS decision.
WADA also accused RUSADA of a long doping test Valieva.
“WADA always expects Anti-Doping Organizations to liaise with laboratories to ensure that analysis is expedited so that results are available before athletes travel to major competitions such as the Olympics. According to information received by WADA, the sample in this case was not marked as a priority by RUSADA when it was received by the anti-doping laboratory in Stockholm. This means that the laboratory did not know that it was necessary to accelerate the study of this sample, ”the report says.
Head of WADA Vitold Banka
“Doping in children is evil, it is unforgivable. Doctors, coaches and other personnel who are found to be giving children drugs to improve performance should be suspended for life, and I personally think that they should be in prison, ”Banka told Ruters.
“We insist that RUSADA conduct a serious investigation into Valieva's entourage. We will check this and make sure that the investigation is proceeding properly,” he said.
According to the head of WADA, in Russia it is necessary to change the culture of attitudes towards doping. “We still have the previous generation of coaches and doctors working with children, so we urgently demand that the Russian Ministry of Sports change the situation,” said the head of the organization.
The point in Valieva's case has not been put. What is important to know about the CAS decision Olympics 2022 Head of the German National Olympic Committee Thomas Weikert
“On the one hand, it is clear that the end of punishment for Russian sports in general at the end of 2022 does not take into account the differences between different sports. An individual approach to each sport would be more appropriate in the fight against doping. On the other hand, the question is how we want to see elite sports. This case (by Valieva) reinforces our opinion that young athletes need to be given time. Humane elite sport shouldn't demand too soon," Weikert told Reuters.
US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (NOC) President Sarah Hirschland
“We are disappointed. It is the collective responsibility of the entire Olympic community to protect the integrity of the sport and to ensure that our athletes, coaches and all participants meet the highest standards. Athletes have the right to know that they are competing on equal terms. Unfortunately, today it is denied. This appears to be yet another chapter in Russia's systematic and widespread disregard for clean sport," the committee said in a statement.
Head of the NOC of Canada and IOC member Trisha Smith
“The situation that has developed in connection with the doping case of the Russian figure skater is extremely unpleasant and sad for the athletes. The NOC of Canada is fully committed to the integrity of the sport and we firmly believe that no one who deals with doping or other corrupt practices has a place in the Olympic Movement,” Smith said.
“While the NOC of Canada has not been officially authorized to participate in the process, we are following the details of the case closely and doing everything we can to ensure that the interests of Canadian skaters and all clean athletes are protected. While we believe that the CAS decision was the result of a fair process, we are extremely disappointed with this result,” she added.
US Anti-Doping Agency chief Chris Tigert“Only time will tell if Valieva will participate in these Games and if all her results will be annulled. Unfortunately, one way or another, for the sixth Olympic Games in a row, Russia "hacked" the competition and stole the moment from the "clean" athletes and the public. In addition, the Russians and the global anti-doping system terribly failed this young athlete, unfairly plunging her into this chaos, ”said Tigert.
Former WADA chief David Homeman
“The decision simply confirms the need for all samples to be analyzed prior to the Games as required. Now everyone will have to wait for decisions and appeals after the Olympics. The IOC will have to award medals that may be required to be returned. The system works if people follow it. This is embarrassing for everyone right now. And the athletes are hardly reassured that the promised clean games are being kept,” Homeman said.
“The fact that a substance that increases efficiency was found in Valieva’s body testifies to the ill-treatment of a minor. Sport should protect its athletes, not harm them. The doping of Kamila Valieva should be a wake-up call for every fan, parent and athlete to demand reforms together,” he said.
“Doping for underage athletes must be stopped. Any country that systematically dopes its athletes cannot be allowed to participate in international sport,” he said in a statement.
Valieva first commented on the scandal over her doping test Olympics 2022 Global Athlete
“Today is another example of the failure of the global sports and anti-doping system. The fact that a performance-enhancing substance was found in the body of a 15-year-old Russian figure skater is evidence of abuse of a minor. Sport should protect its athletes, not harm them,” the organization said in a statement.
“It is clear that Valieva would never have found herself in this situation if the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had done their job and removed Russia from world sports,” the report notes. Global Athletic.
“Russia has never been interested in reform because sports leaders preferred politics over principles and rebranding over sanctions. Athletes have lost confidence in the global anti-doping system,” the statement said.
2018 Olympic champion in figure skating Kim Yo-na
“Athletes who violate doping rules cannot participate in the games. This principle must be respected without exception. The efforts and dreams of all players are equally valuable, ”the eminent skater wrote on Instagram, posting a black background instead of a photo.
2018 Olympic champion in team figure skating Megan Duhamel (Canada)
“I will insist, even if I am alone, and demand a medal ceremony for the US and Japanese skaters. ISU, IOC, don't punish them, let them enjoy the moment," Duhamel tweeted.
“How is anyone going to take the women’s tournament seriously now? We have just been told that illegal drugs and abuse are normal. If that's what the sport is about right now, I don't want to have anything to do with it. February 14, 2022 is the Olympic spirit died,” she added.
1998 Olympic champion Tara Lipinski
“I strongly disagree with this decision. She tested positive and I have no doubt that she should not be allowed to compete. Regardless of age or timing of test results. I believe that this will leave an indelible mark on our sport, ”said the skater.
Sochi 2014 bronze medalist Ashley Wagner
“My first test was at 13. From a very young age, you are taught that you are responsible for what goes into your body. Even if someone gives you something and tells you to accept it, you have to be 100% sure it's legal for your sport. Now we've set a precedent where age can help get off the hook. At the same time, I will repeat again, Camila is in an extremely vulnerable position, ”said the American figure skater.
“Great example! Simone Biles went the right way with medication and received a TUE so she could compete legally,” she tweeted.
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