“Sport-Express” denied the news about the removal of Valieva from the Olympics

Sport-Express denied its news about the removal of the Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva from participation in the individual tournament at the Beijing Olympics due to a doping scandal and the deprivation of the Russian team of gold medals in the team tournament. The corresponding statement was published on the website of the publication.

The text notes that the previously posted information is not confirmed. The decision on Valieva’s case has not yet been made, she may be found not guilty.

Sport-Express was the first to report that the 15-year-old athlete would be suspended from further competition at the Olympics due to a suspicious doping test. The publication also mentioned that the Russian team could be deprived of gold in the team tournament. However, the news was later removed.

An official IOC statement on the subject is expected on Thursday at 1300 Beijing time. The editors of “SE” apologize to the athlete and readers for unverified information

“Sport-Express”

Problem test

Information that the Russian figure skater, who competed in the team tournament in Beijing, passed a suspicious doping test appeared on February 9. In this regard, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held legal consultations with the International Skating Union (ISU) and postponed the awards ceremony.

Initially, the identity of the athlete was not known to the media. At the same time, it was noted that the found drug, although it is prohibited, does not affect sports results. Later it became known that we are talking about 15-year-old Valieva. According to media reports, trimetazidine, a drug used to prevent angina pectoris, could have been detected in a doping sample.

It is noted that the test was passed outside the competitive period – in December 2021. The situation is complicated by the fact that Valieva is not yet 16 years old, so the trial of a possible violation of her anti-doping rules is taking place in a special regime and required the involvement of lawyers.

It is expected that consideration of the incident may last until Thursday, February 10. At the same time, if the suspicions are confirmed, the Russian figure skater is likely to face a less severe punishment due to her age.

If Valieva is removed, she will be replaced by figure skater Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, she is listed in the Russian national team as the first substitute. In order for an athlete to be added to the main team, the Russian Olympic Committee must conduct the necessary tests. However, there is a possibility that the Russian side will not have time to complete the procedures stipulated by the regulations.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) refused to comment on Valieva’s dubious doping test, emphasizing that journalists should contact the organizers of the figure skating tournament at the Beijing Olympics on this issue.

Reaction in Russia

Honored coach of Russia in figure skating Tatyana Tarasova said she did not believe the information about doping Valieva. “Delirium, delirium and again delirium,” the coach responded. In turn, State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina, in a commentary to RIA Novosti, said that this was a hunt for Tutberidze’s students.

I will say this, our girls have been hunted for a long time, especially for those who train with Eteri Tutberidze. Now we just have to wait for the official information.

Irina Rodnina State Duma deputy

The head coach of the Russian national hockey team, Alexei Zhamnov, said that athletes were tested for doping during a training camp in Novogorsk before the Games in order to avoid a scandal at the Olympics.

I learned the news about the skaters just before the match. I hope everything turns out positively. Our players were tested (for doping – approx. “Lenta.ru”) in Novogorsk. It’s probably best to ask the doctor. We try not to have a scandal

Alexey Zhamnovhead coach of the Russian national ice hockey team

Russian team

On February 7, Russian figure skaters won the team tournament at the Beijing Olympics. The champions were Kamila Valieva, Mark Kondratyuk, Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov, as well as Anastasia Mishina and Alexander Gallyamov. The US team won silver, the Japanese team won bronze.

At the same time, Valieva became the best in the short and free programs and went down in history by becoming the first woman to perform a quadruple jump at the Games.

Domestic athletes compete under the flag of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). The tricolor and the national anthem were banned due to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions.