Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tests positive for banned heart medication: reports

Olympic favourite Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned heart medication before her arrival at the Beijing Olympics, the Russian newspaper RBC reported, putting in jeopardy the team gold medal that she helped win earlier this week.

USA Today also reported that a Russian athlete who is a minor has tested positive for a banned substance. At age 15, Valieva is the only member of the Russian Olympic Committee 9ROC) -skating team who is under 16.

Canada placed fourth and could be in line to win a bronze medal if ROC is disqualified.

The sample was reportedly obtained in December, when Valieva was still in Russia but did not come to light until after she had helped her team win the gold medal with dynamic performances in her short program and free skate.

The drug, Trimetazidine, is used to to treat angina — a type of chest pain marked by reduced blood flow to the heart — and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a stimulant. It is the same drug that was involved in a Russian bobsled case at the 2018 Olympics that ended in a settlement and the athletes accepting an eight-month ban.

It is unclear whether Valieva has any heart problems.

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