Winter Olympics: IOC deny comparison between Sha’Carri Richardson and Kamila Valieva cases

The International Olympic Committee has denied a comparison between the anti-doping violation cases of figure skater Kamila Valieva and sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson.

Richardson had criticised the decision to allow Valieva to compete at the Winter Olympics despite failing a drugs test.

The American compared Valieva’s treatment to her own after she was given a one-month ban for a failed drugs test in June.

The 21-year-old tested positive for a chemical found in marijuana after her victory in the 100m at the US Olympic trials, and was subsequently ruled out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

This was despite revealing that she had taken the drug to cope with the recent death of her biological mother.

Richardson shared a news story about the Valieva ruling on Twitter, alongside the caption: “Can we get a solid answer on the difference of her situation and mines?”

“My mother died and I can’t run and was also favoured to place top 3. The only difference I see is I’m a black young lady.”

Can we get a solid answer on the difference of her situation and mines? My mother died and I can’t run and was also favored to place top 3. The only difference I see is I’m a black young lady. https://t.co/JtUfmp3F8L

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams rejected the suggestion that the two cases were similar.

“Obviously every single case is very different, this one [Valieva’s] hasn’t even reached the end of its case yet,” he said.

“In terms of Ms. Richardson’s case, she tested positive on June 19th quite a way ahead of the Games. Her results came in early order for USADA to deal with the case on time before the Games.

“Ms. Richardson accepted a one-month period of ineligibility which began on June 28th so I’d suggest there isn’t a great deal of