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US Olympic and Paralympic CEO Expresses Outrage Over Shocking “Delay in Justice” for Athletes in Kamila Valieva Doping Scandal

Published 09/29/2023, 11:48 AM EDT

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The Kamila Valieva case had been boiling in the kettle for a long time, but it wasn’t making any headway. However, a recent announcement by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for another delay has made the kettle blow up. Apparently, Russia’s Kamila Valieva has been awaiting a verdict in a doping case for over two years now. In fact, more than Valieva, US Figure Skating has been awaiting the long-due verdict since it bars their claim to Olympic gold.

Kamila Valieva was caught doping on 25 December 2021 during the Russian Championship. While the case didn’t bar her from participating, it did bar all the medal winners from ever receiving their medals. The fresh delay has now ushered the US Olympic and Paralympic CEO to outrage against the frustratingly slow legal proceedings.

After US Figure Skating CEO, US Olympic and Paralympic CEO voices frustration

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According to a tweet by USA Today columnist Christine Brennan, US Olympic and Paralympic CEO Sarah Hirshland spoke against yet another delay by the CAS. Brennan posted an image carrying Hirshland’s words which said, “We share in the athletes’ and U.S. Figure Skating’s frustration with the prolonged delay in justice. They deserve to receive a fair and timely resolution, and unfortunately, the current process has not been able to deliver that for them even after nearly two years.” Apart from voicing her criticism, Hirshland also showed support for the athletes who haven’t received their medals.

 

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“Our commitment to supporting the athletes during this challenging time is unwavering, and we will persist until their medals are rightfully awarded,” concluded Hirshland. The statement of Sarah Hirshland regarding the Kamila Valieva case comes right after the US figure skating CEO’s words.

Tracy Marek criticized the delay that has lasted over 600 days without any resolution in the case. The case has encountered another boulder as the CAS panel has ordered a new file to proceed further. The CAS will conduct the next and final hearing on 9-10th November. Apparently, this file wasn’t previously mentioned and has been requested for by an undisclosed party.

Why is the Kamila Valieva case facing delays?

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Kamila Valieva is a figure skating prodigy from Russia with several junior and senior world records to her name. The case has seen several delays so far because only the Russian Anti-Doping Agency was allowed to investigate the case. The anti-doping body lacks international trust because it faced suspension during 2015-18 for enabling Russian athletes to use unfair means.

The request for a previously unlisted file on the very day of the final hearing fires off all alarm bells. Since Kamila Valieva hasn’t been given the gold medal, the USA and Japan haven’t received their silver and bronze medals either. Moreover, Canada hangs in the balance as well, since it will claim the bronze if everyone moves up the ladder.

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The constant delays don’t portray a very strong image of the CAS, and will thus. In fact, this can also encourage other countries to ditch the rules and make their athletes win by either hook or crook. The matter becomes especially grave since the Paris Olympics are just 301 days away. Fortunately, the world has placed its faith in the CAS one more time and waits for the next date of hearing.

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Written by:

Ankit Singh

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Ankit Singh is a pro writer for US Sports at Essentially Sports. This surfing enthusiast has kept his watchful eye on all things Kelly Slater. With his prior experience as a senior writer for popular blogs in the country, Ankit brings his attention to detail to the nuances of every turn, snap, 360, and alley-oop on the surfboard.
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Edited by:

Brandon Gabriel