Kamila Valieva, the Russian skater at the center of a doping scandal, refused to speak with reporters after her latest Olympic performance
- Skater Kamila Valieva is at the center of a doping scandal that's rocked the Beijing Olympics.
- The 15-year-old was still allowed to compete in the women's short program after failing a drug test.
Russian Olympic Committee figure skater Kamila Valieva, who is at the center of her country's latest doping scandal, refused to speak with reporters after her most recent Olympic performance.
Following her first-place skate in the women's short program Tuesday evening, the 15-year-old quickly rushed past reporters in the media briefing room.
In a video CBC's Marie Morrissey shared on Twitter, Valieva could be seen shaking her head and avoiding interviews while walking through the Mixed Zone, where athletes typically are required to fulfill their media obligations.
Valieva's eligibility to compete came under question last week after news emerged that she'd failed a drug test in December. She tested positive for Trimetazidine, a drug the World Anti-Doping Agency categorizes as a "hormone and metabolic modulator," accrding the Associated Press.
When taken without proper cause, the drug can help bolster endurance and improve circulation. Both effects could give a high-level figure skater a significant competitive advantage.
Valieva was initially slapped with a provisional suspension from Russia's anti-doping agency (RUSADA) after the positive test surfaced. However, following a swift appeal, the ban was overturned on February 9.
The IOC then challenged that decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport. On Monday, the court issued a shocking ruling that lifted Valieva's provisional suspension and paved the way for the teen to participate in Tuesday's women's single skating short program.
Many close to the sport slammed the decision to keep Valieva in the field.
Valieva then took the ice Tuesday evening in Beijing. And even though she stumbled on an early jump, she skated well enough to earn a score of 82.16 and finish first in the competition.
She teared up at the center of the rink after completing the emotional performance.
Now, Valieva moves on to Thursday's medal event as the bona fide favorite to win it all.
But the IOC will not allow her — or any other competitor — to collect their medals if the controversy-laden teen finishes in the top three.