'It was all too much' - Kamila Valieva 'couldn't produce' due to doping storm, says Eurosport's Simon Reed

Eurosport figure skating commentator Simon Reed admits he fears for Kamila Valieva’s ability to last another Olympic cycle given Russia’s success of churning out young talent. The 15-year-old, who is embroiled in a doping controversy after testing positive for a banned heart drug, missed out on the podium in the women’s singles after a catalogue of slips and falls. Ad/> She broke down in tears when her routine concluded, prompting a rapturous reception from supporters inside the Capital Indoor Stadium.

/> Beijing 2022'Trusova looking angry' — Russian star very unhappy while tearful Valieva consoled41 MINUTES AGO “She waves it goodbye as if she doesn’t want anything to do with that routine. It’s totally understandable and so are the tears that follow,” said Reed on Eurosport. Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova, both 17, secured a Russia one-two.

Japan's Kaori Sakamoto won bronze. There was immense pressure on Valieva after a week and a half in the spotlight that saw the Court of Arbitration for Sport decide she could continue competing in Beijing despite her positive test. “We wondered whether she was human because time after time we’ve watched her on Eurosport this season produce impeccable performances,” continued Reed.

“But all that’s gone on behind the scenes has undermined her here and she couldn’t produce. “Such a shame because there is so much goodwill for her. People know that she’s blameless.