Russian Figure Skater Kamila Valieva Returning to Ice After Doping Controversy at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 was a successful event in many eyes. However, the Kamila Valieva incident shocked fans alike. The Russian figure skater was granted the chance to compete, despite failing a doping test before the competition. The controversial incident shocked fans across the world, as many figure skaters thought it was unfair to let her compete. However, now, she returns to compete at the Channel One Trophy in Saransk, Russia.

The 15-YO’s ongoing positive drug test case is still under review, but she is allowed to take part in her homeland’s competition. It is scheduled to take place from March 25th to 27th.

Kamila Valieva set to return

One of the most talented figure skaters in the world, everyone expected Valieva to dominate the Olympics. She landed the first-ever quad jump at the Winter Olympics as it gave the Russian Olympic Committee a gold medal in the team figure skating competition. From there, things went out of hand. After being tested positive for the banned heart drug trimetazidine in December 2021, she was handed a suspension; although the result came to the limelight in February 2021.

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The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) lifted her suspension as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Skating Union (ISU) filed an appeal for lifting the ban. Considering Valieva’s age, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled out the ban and allowed her to compete.

2022 Beijing Olympics – Figure Skating – Women Single Skating – Free Skating – Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing, China – February 17, 2022. Kamila Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts with coaches Eteri Tutberidze and Daniil Gleikhengauz after performing. REUTERS/Phil Noble

Russian figure skaters banned from competing

While Valieva makes her return, notably, Russians and Belarusian figure skaters are not able to compete in any international events for the distant future. The 2022 World Championships will be held in Montpellier, France and the figure skaters from Russia are banned from taking part in there as well competitions. This is because of the ongoing European crisis that has shocked the world.

Future sanctions for Valieva will be decided as the RUSADA are given six months to reach a decision. The most talked-about athlete at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, how do you think her return now will be received by critics and fans?

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