Russian Figure Skater tests positive for drugs - delays ceremony for team medals

[Spikefan]

Hopefully they just put her on a plane home right after the event. I prefer to completely forget about her. No interview, no gala, no closing ceremony. She can go enjoy celebrity in Russia and I can happily ignore it.

 

[LeafOnTheWind]

I'm very interested in how China treats the gala. Assuming Valieva wins, do they not invite the ladies provisional gold medalist?

 

[Muffin]

In this case, I definitely think sympathy for Valieva's age and the extreme circumstances she is in should exempt her from all press conferences. Doping is a big deal, but press conferences are not. This is exactly where her being a "Protected Person" should come into play.

The media just wants to fire questions at her that she obviously can't answer and then watch her break down and cry. It's not going to serve any good purpose.

 

[Sylvia]

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait:

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait

IOC president Thomas Bach has offered U.S. figure skaters Olympic torches as holdover gifts while they await a resolution of the Russian doping case preventing them from receiving their silver medals.

apnews.com

IOC president Thomas Bach offered U.S. figure skaters Olympic torches as holdover gifts while they await a resolution of the Russian doping case that is preventing them from receiving their silver medals, The Associated Press has learned.
Two people familiar with the events told AP late Wednesday that Bach, in a private meeting with the skaters in Beijing, reiterated the IOC stance that no medals ceremonies would be held for events involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva. The people did not want their names used because the meeting was confidential.
Officials from the International Olympic Committee did not immediately respond to an email query from AP.

The nine-person U.S. team stands to at least get silver but could end up with the gold if Valieva is disqualified. The skaters had already received boxes for storing their medals when they learned the ceremony was off.
The people familiar with the meeting said torches used during the traditional Olympic flame relay had already been given to team staff to be presented later to the athletes.
After the CAS decision, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic CEO Sarah Hirshland said the federation was “disappointed by the message this decision sends” and suggested athletes were denied the confidence of knowing they competed on a level playing field.
Neither USOPC officials nor officials at U.S. Figure Skating immediately responded to emails from AP seeking comment.

 

[screech]

In this case, I definitely think sympathy for Valieva's age and the extreme circumstances she is in should exempt her from all press conferences. Doping is a big deal, but press conferences are not. This is exactly where her being a "Protected Person" should come into play.

The media just wants to fire questions at her that she obviously can't answer and then watch her break down and cry. It's not going to serve any good purpose.

I agree that the press will be horrific to her. However, there are requirements around the events, and she should have to fulfill the requirements. It's a requirement for her to attend the press conference. Not a requirement for her to participate.

Like I said, they can state prior to the conference that no questions can be directed to Kamila, or no questions about the doping or the investigation, and if someone violates this guideline, they are removed from the conference.

Even if Kamila just arrives, says something about her skate, then leaves before any questions can be asked - she will have fulfilled the requirement.

 

[screech]

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait:

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait

IOC president Thomas Bach has offered U.S. figure skaters Olympic torches as holdover gifts while they await a resolution of the Russian doping case preventing them from receiving their silver medals.

apnews.com

The article just mentions US skaters. What about the Japanese? I'm assuming they'll get torches as well? How will the torches be presented to the medallists?
Also, getting official torches from the torch relay is so much cooler than getting a stuffed animal.

 

[LeafOnTheWind]

I am curious to see if they offer anything to the current bronze winners. They were denied a ceremony too.

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait:

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait

IOC president Thomas Bach has offered U.S. figure skaters Olympic torches as holdover gifts while they await a resolution of the Russian doping case preventing them from receiving their silver medals.

apnews.com

 

[Muffin]

So Valieva would get a torch too, even though she's probably going to be DQ'd?

What about the person who comes in 4th place and will likely be moving up to medal position - no recognition for them in Beijing at all? 9 months from now, somebody will give them a medal after the whole world has moved on and no longer cares?

It sucks.

I agree that the press will be horrific to her. However, there are requirements around the events, and she should have to fulfill the requirements. It's a requirement for her to attend the press conference. Not a requirement for her to participate.

I don't think enforcement of press conference participation has ever been so strict that someone who had a good reason not to attend (legitimate illness or severe injury) could not be excused. She has a good reason to be excused.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

What is the good reason? I don't think the press would be "horrific" to her. I think they'd ask her questions that would make her uncomfortable, but every other skater at the Olympics deserves to hear those questions asked.

 

[Willin]

I was listening to Polina's podcast on the scandal and she shared this juicy tidbit: at the JGP Final in 2013 she and her mom saw three of the Russian skaters drink some unknown liquid in the lockerroom pre-practice ice (according to her drug tests are after the freeskate, so depending on which practice ice it was most drugs would've been out of their system by the time they were tested). They didn't report it at the time because they didn't believe skaters were doping, but since then she's been suspicious of doping in Russian skaters. Among the Russian skaters there was Evgenia Medvedeva, an Eteri student.

 

[Sylvia]

The article just mentions US skaters. What about the Japanese? I'm assuming they'll get torches as well? How will the torches be presented to the medallists?
Also, getting official torches from the torch relay is so much cooler than getting a stuffed animal.

I am curious to see if they offer anything to the current bronze winners. They were denied a ceremony too.

I hope the JOC/JSF also have met, or will meet, with the IOC president.

 

[harlequin]

I hope that should any medalist ask that questions focus on their achievement rather than someone's else doping - someone's who was excused from the conference - that the request is respected.
If they do want to voice their opinions, I'm here for it, of course.

 

[Wyliefan]

I was listening to Polina's podcast on the scandal and she shared this juicy tidbit: at the JGP Final in 2013 she and her mom saw three of the Russian skaters drink some unknown liquid in the lockerroom pre-practice ice (according to her drug tests are after the freeskate, so depending on which practice ice it was most drugs would've been out of their system by the time they were tested). They didn't report it at the time because they didn't believe skaters were doping, but since then she's been suspicious of doping in Russian skaters. Among the Russian skaters there was Evgenia Medvedeva, an Eteri student.

While I wouldn't be surprised to hear that doping was going on then, I wonder how many judgments one can make about what "an unknown liquid" might be. It could be any one of a dozen things. If she'd seen them popping pills, that would make more sense.

Truthfully, I'm more surprised an Eteri skater was drinking ANYTHING, given her widely known views on the subject.

 

[Muffin]

What is the good reason? I don't think the press would be "horrific" to her. I think they'd ask her questions that would make her uncomfortable, but every other skater at the Olympics deserves to hear those questions asked.

She's 15 is the good reason. She's a child.

The whole purpose of having children be Protected People is to withhold their identities so they won't be to be grilled, or shamed, publicly.

The same WADA Code that will punish her for the violation (despite her age) is also supposed to protect her from public scrutiny. You can't demand that one part of the Code be upheld but disregard the other.

The other skaters deserve answers, but it doesn't have to be right now, it doesn't have to be in the form of an Olympic press conference, it doesn't have to come directly out of Valieva's mouth, and it doesn't have to be on camera.

A press conference right now would be nothing but a public pillorying of a kid.

 

[Willin]

While I wouldn't be surprised to hear that doping was going on then, I wonder how many judgments one can make about what "an unknown liquid" might be. It could be any one of a dozen things. If she'd seen them popping pills, that would make more sense.

Truthfully, I'm more surprised an Eteri skater was drinking ANYTHING, given her widely known views on the subject.

Polina speaks Russian so she would know what they were saying. All three said it was something their team doctor told them to take. So it's probably not just Gatorade, water, or redbull.

 

[karmena]

I was listening to Polina's podcast on the scandal and she shared this juicy tidbit: at the JGP Final in 2013 she and her mom saw three of the Russian skaters drink some unknown liquid in the lockerroom pre-practice ice (according to her drug tests are after the freeskate, so depending on which practice ice it was most drugs would've been out of their system by the time they were tested). They didn't report it at the time because they didn't believe skaters were doping, but since then she's been suspicious of doping in Russian skaters. Among the Russian skaters there was Evgenia Medvedeva, an Eteri student.

Of course Medvedeva was there and did it. No doubt about it. Either she understood or do not understood what she is doing is the other question. I assume she did not. And I am sure that Valieva has no any idea what actually is going around her either. She has been masterfully presented by the description of events where she, Valieva, is a victim of jealous pool of " Russian haters". Her mind and perception is manipulated by the same old soviet system. Oh, yes, forgot, they renamed that system Russia now.
It actually is very sad because there are such a rich culture and many wonderful people in Russia and these people do not deserve to be in the same bag but, unfortunately, they are.

 

[MacMadame]

So Valieva would get a torch too, even though she's probably going to be DQ'd?

No. This is something they offered to the USA for coming in second in the team event. It has nothing to do with the individual event which isn't over yet.

Hopefully they offer something to the Japanese TE participants too.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

She's 15 is the good reason. She's a child.

The whole purpose of having children be Protected People is to withhold their identities so they won't be to be grilled, or shamed, publicly.

The same WADA Code that will punish her for the violation (despite her age) is also supposed to protect her from public scrutiny. You can't demand that one part of the Code be upheld but disregard the other.

The other skaters deserve answers, but it doesn't have to be right now, it doesn't have to be in the form of an Olympic press conference, it doesn't have to come directly out of Valieva's mouth, and it doesn't have to be on camera.

A press conference right now would be nothing but a public pillorying of a kid.

You are right, she is a child, and she should be protected. I guess the public scrutiny and cameras of Olympic competition are alright, though? What a mess. The only way to protect Kamila is to have sent her home as soon as her test results came back. But since that didn't happen, yes, excuse her from the press conference. Require her coach to be there in her stead.

The other skaters will likely have to deal with never getting the answers or Olympic experience they deserve.

 

[karmena]

You are right, she is a child, and she should be protected. I guess the public scrutiny and cameras of Olympic competition are alright, though? What a mess. The only way to protect Kamila is to have sent her home as soon as her test results came back. But since that didn't happen, yes, excuse her from the press conference. Require her coach to be there in her stead.

The other skaters will likely have to deal with never getting the answers or Olympic experience they deserve.

Ha! It never ever will happen!
Also, who initiated a legal case and who covers all the legal expanses for Valieva ?? Kamila or her family?? of course, no. It is a Russian government (or, one may say, the same old soviet system) who under the disguise Valieva tries to defend its own actions and to escape all responsibility; to make a complete cover up and with all possible and impossible means.
(ha! poor Calalang for example paid for her legal expenses. and how long it was not allowed for her to compete? ).
eteri is just a tool in the hands of the subtle propaganda machine that works via gates of sport in Russia

 

[Muffin]

Instead of sticking by her side and accompanying Valieva through the media mixed zone like a normal coach would, her coach was sending her through to practices all by herself with her hood over her head like a criminal. Disgraceful.

It looks like Valieva is now being escorted by two Olympic officials through the mixed zone, the way she should be.

I have no doubt that the whole corrupt team will eventually attempt to throw that girl to the wolves to save themselves.

 

[Trillian]

You are right, she is a child, and she should be protected. I guess the public scrutiny and cameras of Olympic competition are alright, though?

Well, no, it’s not. And if one good thing comes out of this, hopefully it will be an increase to the age minimum.

She’s a child. I get being angry about all this because it’s a nightmare for everyone involved, but what purpose would it serve to further traumatize a kid who’s already likely the victim of systemic abuse?

The other skaters will likely have to deal with never getting the answers or Olympic experience they deserve.

The Olympic experience is already out of the question. But we’re not going to get any meaningful answers from a post-competition press conference. It’s a room full of people who only care about telling the best story and crafting the juiciest book proposal. The only argument for making her attend the press conference is that she hasn’t already been exploited by enough adults, let’s give even more of them access to her.

 

[Moto Guzzi]

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait:

AP sources: US skaters to get Olympic torches as medals wait

IOC president Thomas Bach has offered U.S. figure skaters Olympic torches as holdover gifts while they await a resolution of the Russian doping case preventing them from receiving their silver medals.

apnews.com

The article just mentions US skaters. What about the Japanese? I'm assuming they'll get torches as well? How will the torches be presented to the medallists?
Also, getting official torches from the torch relay is so much cooler than getting a stuffed animal.

The Japanese are getting pitch forks.

 

[MacMadame]

The Japanese are getting pitch forks.

Not Pooh Bears??

 

[skateboy]

She's 15 is the good reason. She's a child.

15 isn't so young, especially these days. Today's 15 year olds are far more savvy than I was at 25.

 

[Frau Muller]

15 isn't so young, especially these days. Today's 15 year olds are far more savvy than I was at 25.

ITA! However, let’s remind ourselves that Valieva, as a Tatar Muslim with strict parents, might be a bit more sheltered than the usual teen in 2022. Her parents requested the longer costume for the In Memoriam SP, for ex.

 

[allezfred]

ITA! However, let’s remind ourselves that Valieva, as a Tatar Muslim with strict parents, might be a bit more sheltered than the usual teen in 2022. Her parents requested the longer costume for the In Memoriam SP, for ex.

 

[Karen-W]

ITA! However, let’s remind ourselves that Valieva, as a Tatar Muslim with strict parents, might be a bit more sheltered than the usual teen in 2022. Her parents requested the longer costume for the In Memoriam SP, for ex.

Doesn't she wear a body suit in her Avatar exhibition program? Or at least a costume that doesn't have an extra-long skirt?

And, isn't Alina Zagitova also a Tatar Muslim? Her 2018 costumes definitely didn't have long skirts...

 

[Cachoo]

Instead of sticking by her side and accompanying Valieva through the media mixed zone like a normal coach would, her coach was sending her through to practices all by herself with her hood over her head like a criminal. Disgraceful.

It looks like Valieva is now being escorted by two Olympic officials through the mixed zone, the way she should be.

I have no doubt that the whole corrupt team will eventually attempt to throw that girl to the wolves to save themselves.

Eventually?? We already have been told Grandpa was responsible.

 

[Lilia A]

Her parents requested the longer costume for the In Memoriam SP, for ex.

Kamila has stated more than once that she likes the look of longer skirts on the ice. And that if she could, she'd make the skirt longer. That's her preference, and just that.

 

[Areski]

I was listening to Polina's podcast on the scandal and she shared this juicy tidbit: at the JGP Final in 2013 she and her mom saw three of the Russian skaters drink some unknown liquid in the lockerroom pre-practice ice (according to her drug tests are after the freeskate, so depending on which practice ice it was most drugs would've been out of their system by the time they were tested). They didn't report it at the time because they didn't believe skaters were doping, but since then she's been suspicious of doping in Russian skaters. Among the Russian skaters there was Evgenia Medvedeva, an Eteri student.

Do you mean Polina Shelepen? Can you give me a link to this podcast or some cue how to access it?