One ice skater’s name will go down in history this year for the 2022 Winter Olympics, but sadly not for the right reason. 15 year old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva soared across the ice on February 7th, stunning the world. Valieva scored 178.92 points for the Russian Olympic Committee, (ROC) placing first in the Women’s Free Skating Team Event. Valieva was deemed to be unbeatable, her technique and grace spoke for itself.

Yet in a turn of events, one day later on February 8th news came out about the results of a drug test Valieva took on December 25, 2021. The results came back positive for trimetazidine, normally used as a heart medication; the drug can also be used as an endurance booster. Two other drugs, hypoxen and L-carnitine, which are not on the banned list, were also found in her system that could contribute to be possible performance enhancers. The response to the news was instantaneous and overwhelming. Some sympathized and supported the skater, others criticized the incident, calling for her removal from the program, some even going as far as removing her from any future skating events. Soon enough, Valieva became the villain to the other skaters and an investigation ensued. 

On February 14th the decision was made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to allow Valieva to skate, but not medal. Thursday, February 17 Valieva stepped out onto the ice, anxiety and stress clearly splayed across her face. Throughout the performance, the 15 year old fell during multiple jumps placing her from the predicted 1st place to landing to 4th. 

This is not a story of a doped up skater, taking drugs to be better and faster, but a story of a child failed by the system around her. As Valieva skated off the ice in her final event, her coach, Eteri Tutberidze, glared at her and scolded her for her performance. 

CAS released a 41 page report. In it they explained that “None of this is the fault of the athlete, and it has put her in a remarkably difficult position where she faces a lifetime of work being taken from her within days of the biggest event of her short career.” It is understood Valieva is a minor, she is a child that was pushed to her limits and then hung out to dry alone amidst the scandal. Anyone can see the raw talent she has and her love of skating throughout any of her other performances. It is sad to see how the biggest opportunity and competition has broken down the athlete. 

Looking through the Olympics modern history around 30 incidents of doping have occurred. Why there hasn’t been a better system put in place, to protect the athlete and manage events in a more responsible manner is appalling. No one would blame Valieva if she never stepped foot on the ice again after the traumatic events. Her stopping would be a loss for the entire figure skating community and watchers. So the question is: should the rules, regulations, and preceding events be different for athletes who have been taking drugs? And if they are, then what?