The United States cast a shadow of suspicion on an ongoing investigation by Russian anti-doping agency Rusada into a positive doping test by 16-year-old figure skater Kamila Valijeva.
Figure skater Kamila Valijeva, who defended Vladimir Putin. EPA / AOP
It was not until the age of 15 that Valijeva found herself in the midst of the Beijing Olympics when prohibited substances were found in a doping sample she gave before the Games.
Inside the games According to the news site, Rusada has been given until the end of August to investigate and decide on the case. Secretary-General of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee Sarah Hirshland however, questions the reliability of the study.
– We’ll see how (Vladimir) Putin defending Valijeva. It then asks if the process can be trusted if he defends Valijeva even before the process is completed, Hirshland told the Washington Post.
Hirshland refers to the events of the end of April, when Putin met in the Kremlin at the awards ceremony for Olympic athletes. At the time, Putin said Valijeva had achieved her results without banned substances or methods.
The story continues after the picture.
Kamila Valijeva was caught in the middle of a doping court at the Beijing Olympics and failed in her free program. Zumawire / Mvphotos
Information about Valijeva’s positive doping sample came to light during the Beijing Olympics, but the sample itself was given in December. The sample contained a substance called trimetazidine. Valijeva’s explanation was that he had accidentally taken the medicine intended for his grandfather.
Since the incident, there has been a heated debate in sports circles as to whether sports such as figure skating have already gone too far in educating children and young people about sports success. Due to her young age, Valijeva has gained mainly sympathy, and the accusing finger has pointed at the Russian sports system and decision-making adults.
New favorite?
Kamila Valijeva smiled happily at the Kremlin’s ceremony on April 26th. EPA / AOP
However, judging by Putin’s comments, Russia has not conducted any self-examination. Ukrainian Glavrednews site speculates that Putin has got his new favorite from Valiyev.
The news site pointed out that Putin has stuck much to his own circumstances, but made an exception to get to congratulate Valieva. Valijeva happened to turn 16 just on the day of the awards ceremony, April 26th.
Russian State News Agency Tass Indeed, Putin paid special attention to Valijeva. Valijeva received a “huge bouquet of roses” and a gift from the president, which was a high-quality cloth in a fine box.
Referring to the doping scandal, Putin told Valijeva that he should not pay attention to “attacks” but continue to work.