Russian Skater Kamila Valieva Cleared To Compete At Olympics Despite Failed Drug Test
Russian Skating Star Kamila Valieva Cleared To Compete At Beijing Olympics Despite Positive Doping Test
File this under bizarre, controversial ... Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva has officially been cleared to continue competing in the Winter Olympics, despite failing a drug test that initially resulted in a suspension from competition.
Last week it was revealed that 15-year-old Valieva tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance, trimetazidine (aids blood flow), back in December.
The skater -- who won gold in a team skating event -- was suspended.
But, Valieva appealed the suspension ... and the Court of Arbitration for Sport actually sided with the Olympic skater, paving the way for her to continue competing.
And, part of the reason she was cleared?
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said preventing Valieva from competing at the Games "would cause her irreparable harm" ... especially considering she's a minor.
Athletes under 16 are held to less stringent doping standards than that of their adult counterparts ... in the eyes of CAS.
FYI, Russia isn't even officially competing in the Olympics because of pervasive cheating. They're officially called the Russian Olympic Committee.
The governing body also said because Valieva failed the test six weeks ago ... and not at the Olympics, it'd be unfair to keep her from skating.
So, Valieva will now compete ... most likely.
The World Anti Doping Agency -- as well as the International Olympic Committee -- have the right to appeal the decision, allowing her to continue skating.
