“We Need to Have a Clean Sport”- Nathan Chen Opens Up on Russian Athlete Kamila Valieva’s Positive Test at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

Winning his first Olympic gold medal, Nathan Chen is on top of the world. He smashed the short program by creating a new world record which propelled him towards his first olympic gold. However, another controversy evolved at the Beijing Winter Olympics. The International Olympic Committee gave the green light for Kamila Valieva to perform at the Winter Olympics, despite failing a doping test.

It caused massive outrage from all corners of the world as fans could not believe that could compete. Many athletes spoke about the issue, including Chen, who gave his thoughts on the matter.

Nathan Chen speaks about Kamila Valieva’s situation

Valieva, meanwhile, could not muster up a good performance as she finished fourth in the figure skating event. With all the controversies surrounding her, she came up short for the event. Chen spoke about the pressures she must have faced leading up to the event and empathized with her. Significantly, the pressure of competing at an event during that time is incredible. Chen talked about keeping the sport clean, nonetheless.

“There [are] so many different factors and variables that [played] a pretty substantial role in this decision. It’s hard…I definitely have a lot of empathy for her and everything that she’s been through. I know, it’s been extraordinarily tough on her. But bottom line, we need to have a clean sport,” said Chen.

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As she was allowed to compete, many athletes voiced out their frustrations. Chen empathized with her and felt how hard it must have been.

Tested positive for three different substances

The incident marred the figure skating competitions at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. She tested positive for three different substances used to improve heart function. A lab in Stockholm found traces of trimetazidine when her sample was taken on December 25th. The World Anti-Doping Agency banned these substances. On the other hand, she talked about it being contaminated with her grandfather’s medicine. Which led to massive outrage.

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The Kamila Valieva situation was scary for a 15-YO. She is one of the most talented figure skaters in the world. However, as Chen said, it is a sport and there is no room for mistakes. Chen won the gold medal with a stunning performance, nonetheless.