In the figure skating world, Kamila Valieva climbed the ladder of success early on. At just 17, Her artistry and precision have dazzled audiences worldwide, earning her a well-deserved place among the sport’s elite. However, her illustrious career has been tragically overshadowed by a doping scandal that has left the figure skating community in turmoil. Recently, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) took up the monumental task of determining her fate.

From September 26th to 28th, 2023, with September 29th reserved as a backup, the CAS hearings unfolded at their headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. This marked the end of an excruciatingly long wait, stretching up to 600 days and counting. Not only did Valieva’s future hang in the balance, but also the hopes of runner-up teams from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, who yearned for a final resolution. However, a recent update emerged with yet another delay in legal proceedings.

Another delay in the proceedings of the Kamila Valieva case

Christine Brennan, a USA Today columnist took to X (Twitter) writing, “600 days ago today — Feb. 7, 2022 — the team figure skating competition ended at the Beijing Winter Olympics. As we know, the athletes still don’t have their medals. Leaving Lausanne this morning, but the story continues…” Her words highlight the frustration and longing that have gripped the athletes involved. Kamila Valieva’s case commenced on Tuesday 26 September.  The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took a stance against the findings of a Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) investigation, which absolved Valieva of any “fault or negligence” regarding the failed test.

WADA, along with the International Skating Union (ISU), raised their concerns and demanded a four-year ban, along with expunging all her results from December 25, 2021, the date of sample collection. In response to the complexity of the case, CAS ordered the production of further documentation, leading to an adjournment. While WADA refrained from commenting on the adjournment due to the confidential nature of the proceedings, they reiterated their commitment to expedite the resolution.

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Valieva’s ordeal began when she tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine at the Russian national championships in 2021. However, the news of this violation only surfaced in 2022 after she participated in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing

How the ordeal began

Valieva had helped the Russian team secure gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Right before the medal ceremony, however, chaos erupted as the event was canceled due to her test results. This would mean a change of fate for the runners-up to move a position higher, making the USA team the gold medalists, Japan silver, and Canada bronze. The medals for the team event still hang in limbo, with the United States taking second place, Japan third, and Canada fourth.

ISU has implored CAS to determine the final result. Tracy Marek, the chief executive of US Figure Skating, expressed profound disheartenment at the news of the delay. She emphasized the importance of transparency, recognizing the complexities and time requirements of legal processes. Vincent Zhou, an American figure skater, added his voice to the chorus, criticizing the global anti-doping system, asserting that it is “failing athletes.”

The hearings are set to resume on November 9th and 10th, 2023, in Lausanne, Switzerland, where the panel will hear closing submissions and reach a verdict. As the CAS proceedings inch closer to a conclusion, the hopes of athletes and fans remain suspended in a delicate balance, waiting for justice to be served.

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