Outrage at Russia over teen skater's doping test

Teen figure skating sensation Kamila Valieva's career hangs in the balance over a failed drug test that has prompted severe criticism of Russia.

Many fans were furious at how the 15-year-old came to have a prohibited substance in her system, blaming coaches, medics and authorities rather than the skater herself.

Katerina Witt, a German figure-skating great and two-time Olympic gold medallist has added her voice to the growing outrage.

Witt took to Facebook to say, quote, that "the responsible adults should be banned from the sport forever".

Valieva helped the Russian Olympic Committee win gold in the team figure skating event, after becoming the first woman to land a quadruple jump in competition on Monday (February 7, 2022).

But the medals were not awarded and her success has been overshadowed by the results of a drugs test taken in December, where she tested positive for banned substance Trimetazidine, used to treat angina.

Russian athletes are already competing in Beijing without their flag and national anthem because of sanctions against the country for previous violations.

Former World Anti-Doping Agency Deputy Director General Rob Koehler argues Russia should have been given harsher penalties long ago.

"This is a glaring example of why Russia needed to be suspended, because they need to have a culture change and embrace clean sport. Instead, they've just kind of made mockery of the system, they are abusing athletes and it is business as usual. Shame on the organizations - WADA, the IOC and CAS for putting athletes in this position when they are under this type of leadership."

Spokesperson for the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile says the failed drugs test is a misunderstanding.

"We're absolutely, fully without any doubts supporting our Kamila Valieva. And urge everyone to support her. And we say Kamila - Kamila, don't hide your face. Hold your head up. You're a Russian. Go proudly and beat everyone."

The Court of Arbitration for Sport is now under pressure to hold a closed-door hearing on the matter and make a decision before Valieva competes in the singles event on Tuesday.