A storm around a 15-year-old Russian woman. “From the slot machine a penalty of up to four years ineligibility”

The world has been observing the commotion around Kamia Walijewa for several dozen hours. According to media reports, the Russian woman was to obtain a positive anti-doping test result. The representation of the Russian Olympic Committee, headed by only 15-year-old Waliyev, won the gold medal in the team figure skating team competition in Beijing. The silver was won by the United States, and the silver was won by Japan.

What is this substance?

. – Trimetazidine has similar effects to meldonium, which was often used in Russia or generally in Eastern Europe. In the medical context, trimetazidine is used in the treatment of diseases of the circulatory system. From the doping point of view, it can help the body regenerate and increase endurance. For this reason it is banned and described as “undefined substance”. Colloquially speaking, it is treated as “hard doping” – said Micha Rynkowski, director of the Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA) in an interview with Sport.pl.

– This means that a player is facing a penalty of two to four years in disqualification from the machine. It should be suspended immediately pending clarification of the matter. However, we are not aware of all the circumstances of this case. Has it been used for medicinal purposes? Does it have an exemption for therapeutic purposes? Probably not, since that was reported as a positive result. However, it is certain that she has the right to analyze sample B. The case is therefore pending as far as the verification of the analytical result is concerned, our interviewee explains. Interestingly, according to Sky Sport, Walijewa appears on Thursday for training before the next competition.

It is not known who will lead the explanation: Rusada (the Russian Anti-Doping Agency) or the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the International Olympic Union (ISU). For the time being, the sports union has been strongly involved, as this case has an impact on the rivalry at the Olympic Games.

The ceremony may not have been in Beijing

– From what I have heard, it is assumed that this sample was collected before the Olympics. However, I do not know whether he is already in the Olympic village or even before coming to the Olympics, says Rynkowski. And that might make a difference.

– If a sample has been taken prior to arrival at the Games, this process may take a long time and will not automatically invalidate Games results. It is not said then that we will quickly find out whether the player is entitled to this medal – points out Rynkowski.

This is a bit similar to that of Polish Paralympians in Tokyo a year ago. – There were a series of samples, long-term testing of players before the Olympics. The results turned out to be positive for the EPO. These did not automatically lead to the nullification of the sporting result. This can be done only after the disciplinary proceedings are completed – indicates the head of POLADA.

So what about the medal ceremonies of the Beijing team competition? – I think it should be suspended and not be held during the Games. Honestly, this is what I would expect. If the sample is taken during the competition itself, the matter is simple: when the result is positive, the sports result is immediately nullified. Then we know how to conduct the medal ceremony – points out Rynkowski.

– However, if the sample is taken earlier – in the Olympic Village or in general before coming to the Games – then the matter becomes more complicated. It is necessary to investigate whether the detected substance had an influence on the achieved sports result in this particular case. This makes the situation more complex, and we will wait a long time for the ceremony – he adds.

Age does not matter

the case of 15-year-old Walijewa is special due to her age. It has been reported that, as a player under the age of 16, she may not be officially disqualified if found guilty of an anti-doping rule violation.

– First of all, it should be pointed out that the Russian woman is a professional player. He belongs to the Olympic team. Therefore, even if she is underage, she will be treated as standard. In the context of doping control, there is no minimum age for doping control. On the other hand, her age may be taken into account when imposing sanctions, explains Rynkowski. If the information that doping was found in the Russian woman’s urine sample is confirmed, her age may only be a means of mitigating the imposition of a penalty.