IOC President Thomas Bach has expressed “disturbed” and very concerned about the fate of 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valieva.
At a press conference on Friday in Beijing, he primarily attacked the Russian team. “When I saw her being received by her entourage, it seemed so cold. It was terrifying to see,” Bach said.
Instead of helping her, you felt “a cool atmosphere, a distance”. The discussions and legal disputes about her doping affair had obviously burdened Valieva in the freestyle of the Winter Games.
“The pressure is beyond my imagination,” said Bach. All of this gives him “not much confidence in Kamila’s closest environment”.
Break-in of Kamila Valieva in the freestyle
The European champion had tested positive for a heart drug on December 25, but was allowed to continue taking part in the games despite suspected doping following a decision by the CAS Sports Court.
In the team competition, Valieva led Russia to victory, but the medals will only be awarded after her case is completed.
In the individual competition, she dropped from first to fourth place in the freestyle.