Teen figure skater from Russia tests positive for banned drug

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics have been set in motion, and we already have plenty of firsts. For example, in the figure skating team event, Russian teen, Kamila Valieva, was the first skater to hit the double quad jump in her performance at the Olympics. This extremely difficult feat was first performed by Canadian Kurt Browning at the 1988 World Championship in Budapest. Though Browning was the first to perform this trick, Valieva was the first to attempt the quadruple toe loop at the Olympics. This in itself takes courage and bravery that comes from years of training and confidence. 

While this upcoming 15-year-old Russian did perform exceptionally well enough to get a gold medal, she didn’t pass the post-performance drug test. The drug she tested positive for was Trimetazidine. This drug is primarily used to treat chest pain and symptoms of angina. It can also be taken to balance the metabolism in heart muscle cells.

At the current rate, Russia’s Kamila seems to be on the chopping block as she failed her drug test. As a coincidence, the Russian figure skating team has not yet received their gold medals, though they have gotten their promised award ceremony. This leaves the U.S. next in line at second place to take the gold medal in the women’s free skate event. 

The United States was in tight competition with Japan for the silver medal until the last day when they sealed the deal. The silver medal win is credited to Evan Bates, Madison Cock and Karen Chen who put on a breathtaking performance. Bates and Cock are distinguished amongst other pairs because of their chemistry on and off the ice. Chen not only uplifted the U.S. to get their first silver medal in 12 years, but she also took home her very first Olympic medal.

By Gabriel Sanders