Russian Valiewa is allowed to start in the exhibition if she wins a medal
Despite her positive doping test before the Winter Olympics in Beijing, Russia’s Kamila Valiyeva will be allowed to take part in the figure skating show if she wins a medal in the women’s singles on Sunday. The Russian news agency Tass reported on Wednesday, citing the world ice skating association ISU.
15-year-old Valiewa confirmed her role as favorite on Tuesday with the best short freestyle. Second was world champion Anna Schtscherbakowa from Russia in front of the Japanese Kaori Sakamoto. The medals will be awarded on Thursday in the women’s freestyle. According to the rules of the International Skating Union, the three medal winners of each discipline are obliged to take part in the skating.
Valiewa had led Russia’s team to Olympic victory. The International Olympic Committee canceled the medal ceremony because of Valiyeva’s doping case and considers the result to be provisional. The IOC also decided not to hold an award ceremony if the European champion won a medal in the women’s singles.
The banned heart drug trimetazidine was detected in a doping sample taken by Valiyeva at the end of December. However, the positive test only became known during the winter games in Beijing. Valiewa received permission to start in the individual competition from the International Sports Court Cas.