Russia acquits child prodigy: The unresolved "Valieva case" frustrates the United States

After much hesitation, the Russian anti-doping agency has reached its verdict in the case of European figure skating champion Kamila Valiyeva – and is met with indignation. WADA now wants to see the full reasoning behind the verdict, while the US team has publicly expressed its displeasure.

The US Figure Skating Federation has criticized the doping case involving Russian child prodigy Kamila Valiyeva at the Beijing Olympics. In a statement, US Figure Skating failed to understand that American athletes still haven’t received their team competition medals. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the 2022 Winter Olympics, US Figure Skating and its athletes are deeply frustrated at the lack of a final decision in the team event.” In addition, the association provided a photo with nine US athletes presenting empty medal boxes.

If the winning Russian team, for which Valiyeva competed, was disqualified, the Americans would win gold instead of silver. This would also be significant from a German point of view, as the DEU team would move up to eighth place. This would be important because the DOSB, or the Federal Ministry of the Interior, pays high subsidies up to eighth place at the Olympic Games.

Most recently, the Russian anti-doping agency (RUSADA) made its decision in the Valiyeva case after much hesitation – and after the positive test before the Winter Games waived a penalty against the 16-year-old. The RUSADA tribunal had previously concluded that while Valiyeva committed an anti-doping rule violation, “no fault or negligence” was found. In addition, Valiyeva, who was 15 when the positive sample was taken, should be considered a “protected person”.

WADA is now requesting the full reasoning of the judgment to determine if it is consistent with the World Anti-Doping Code. The World Anti-Doping Agency reserved the right to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS. The International Olympic Committee “welcomes” the announcement and said when asked that the matter should “be dealt with as soon as possible”. Almost a year after the Olympics, the rating in the team competition is still marked with an asterisk.

Travis Tygart, head of the US agency USADA, there is no mistake. WADA and the ISU would have to “appeal against this decision to protect the credibility of the anti-doping system and the rights of all athletes.” “The world cannot possibly accept this self-serving decision. Justice demands a full, fair and public hearing outside of Russia,” Tygart said.