IOC's Bach: Valieva's meltdown was 'chilling'

The saga has opened a debate on the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors, but Bach said on Friday (February 18) the International Olympic Committee had limited means of action.

Valieva, who had been leading the women's figure skating event after the short programme, cracked in her free skate on Thursday night, and stumbled down to fourth place as compatriot Anna Shcherbakova skated to gold.

"I must say I was very, very disturbed yesterday when I watched the competition on TV," Bach told a news conference. "How high the pressure on her must have been."

Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships last December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after Valieva had already helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event.