ROC: Kamilla Valieva had a positive doping test long before the Olympics

Russian figure skater and favorite of the Beijing Olympics Kamilla Valieva turned out to be at the center of a doping scandal - we are talking about her possible exemption.  However, the Russian Olympic Committee notes that the found doping has no connection with the Olympic Games.

ROC released an official statement on the doping situation.  After the end of the team figure skating competition (February 8), the committee received a letter from the International Testing Agency informing that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) had suspended Kamilla Valieva from the competition since February 8.

Doping was found in the athlete's sample dated December 25, 2021.

The substance is called ‘trimetazidine’ - it is included in the group of banned drugs.  The sample was taken as part of the Russian Figure Skating Championship in St. Petersburg.

ROC noted that although the test was positive, it does not apply to the period of the Olympics.  After December 25, Valieeva had been repeatedly tested for doping (both before coming to Beijing and during the Olympics) - all the results were negative.

On February 9, the RUSADA disciplinary committee canceled Valieva's suspension from the competition - now the athlete can train and participate in competitions.  However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport may challenge this decision.

IOC has already appealed to the court - the decision will be made before February 15, since it is the day when the single figure skating competitions start.

ROC added that due to the fact that doping has not been found during the Olympics, Valieeva cannot be deprived of Beijing awards.  It is also known that the committee will conduct a full investigation to establish all the circumstances.