Winter Olympics 2022 - Team GB's Natasha McKay criticises cancellation of medal ceremony if Kamila Valieva podiums

Team GB figure skater Natasha McKay has questioned the decision not to award medals if Kamila Valieva finishes on the podium at Beijing 2022. The Russian skater tested positive for a banned substance ahead of the Winter Olympics, but has been allowed to continue to compete.

Ad/> An anti-doping case has been opened and will determine if any medal-winning performances from Valieva will stand, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) taking the controversial precaution of not holding a medal ceremony in the women's singles if the 15-year-old ends up in the top three. Beijing 2022Valieva ‘happy but tired emotionally’ after being cleared to compete13 HOURS AGO Valieva, already considered a great of the sport, leads the field after the short programme despite producing a performance below her supreme best.

McKay feels «sympathy» for those who could miss out on «the most important part of the Olympics» if they podium alongside Valieva. Asked if she feels for Valieva, McKay said: "«I have sympathy for whoever will be on the podium who won't be receiving their medals, it's the most important part of the Olympics and they won't get that chance.

»There's been a lot of attention at the training ice but I've tried to keep myself to myself as much as I can. I've just tried to focus on myself and stay in my own little bubble." A group of 25 skaters progressed to the free skating, which will be held on 17 February at the Capital Indoor Stadium.

This is one more than intended, with organisers sending through an extra skater in case a decision on Valieva's case is reached in the intervening period and the ROC competitor is banned. McKay, who finished 28th in her Olympic debut after falling during her routine, feels that it was the