Winter Olympics gold medallist Kamila Valieva still training despite doping allegations

Russian figure-skating prodigy Kamila Valieva was spotted in training as usual at the Beijing Winter Olympics, despite reports she had allegedly failed a drug test.

The teenage sensation helped the Russian Olympic Committee win team figure-skating gold –– becoming the first person in Olympic history to land two quad jumps. 

Valieva, who performed a routine in memory of her grandmother in the team event, also topped the women’s singles standings in the short programme and free skating. 

However, the medal ceremony for Russia’s win has been suspended amid an ongoing investigation by anti-doping authorities. 

A new report by insidethegames claimed an anti-doping test taken by Valieva prior to the games was the subject of an inquiry. 

Russian newspaper RBC also reported that Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned heart medication, before the Olympics started. 

Matters have been made more complex because Valieva is just 15-years-old, which can give her extra protection. 

According to the World Anti-Doping Code, Valieva is labelled a ‘Protected Person’ as she is under 16, meaning any penalty is likely to be far less severe. 

The Independent Testing Agency has not commented on the situation so far, but Valieva cannot be officially identified even if she is found guilty. 

“The ITA is aware of the various reports circulating regarding the postponed medal ceremony for the figure skating team event at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022,” an official statement read.

“Any announcement connected to these events would always be publicly issued on the ITA’s website and not commented on otherwise. No such announcement has been published to date.”

For the time being, it appears Valieva is treating life as normal and she