Kamila Valijeva received a long suspension.
Kamila Valijeva was banned for four years. EPA/AOP
Figure skater Kamila Valieva, 17, was banned for four years for a doping violation. The Sports Court of Appeal CAS announced the decision on Monday.
The Russian athlete gave a positive doping test on December 25, 2021. A substance called trimetazidine was found in his sample, which is used, for example, to treat coronary artery disease. The drug belongs to the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA’s list of prohibited substances because it can improve blood circulation and increase endurance.
The test result did not become public until February 2022. Only 15-year-old Valieva had already had time to skate in the Russian team, which won the Olympic gold in the team competition.
Russia’s anti-doping agency Rusada placed Valieva on a temporary ban, which it revoked the very next day.
The International Figure Skating Union ISU, the international anti-doping agency Wada and the International Olympic Committee IOC complained about Rusada’s decision to the sport’s CAS.
CAS considers Valieva’s suspension to have started on December 25, 2021. All results obtained after that date will be voided. It means that the Russian skater will lose the positions, awards and prize money achieved after the start of the ban.
Valijeva has competed actively. He will be released from the collar at the end of 2025.