CNN
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Long doping story involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva entered another phase on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Last month, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) effectively cleared Valieva of wrongdoing, saying the 16-year-old had violated anti-doping rules but there was no “error or negligence” against her. with violations.
But WADA believes such a conclusion is “wrong” and has now exercised its right to appeal the ruling.
Valieva was suspended by RUSADA a day after she guided the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) to victory in the team figure skating event at last year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she also became a figure skater. The first woman in history to do the four-step jump at the Olympics.
However, during the Olympics, Valieva was found to be positive for heart drugs. trimetazidine – may increase endurance – in December 2021.
Valieva did not publicly explain the positive test result.
ROC came out on top in the team event in Beijing ahead of the United States in second, Japan in third and Canada in fourth, but no medal ceremony was held due to the doping controversy .
In a statement on Tuesday, WADA said it was seeking a four-year ineligibility period for Valieva and removed her results from the December 25, 2021 sampling date.
The statement added: “As it has worked to do throughout this process, WADA will continue to push this matter forward without undue delay.”
“As the case is currently pending before CAS, WADA is unable to comment further at this time.”
CNN has reached out to RUSADA and the International Olympic Committee for comment.
Valieva was allowed to compete in the women’s singles at the Winter Olympics but ended up placing fourth after falling and tripping several times during the competition.
Travis Tygart, Executive Director of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said on Tuesday that the decision to appeal Valieva’s case to CAS “must be taken to restore confidence in the global anti-doping system.” bridge.”
He added: “Let’s hope the hearing is conducted quickly and openly so that athletes with suspension dreams can believe in the end result, whatever it is, and some justice. may soon be restored.”
