ISU President: “We were surprised by the number of drugs Valieva took”

International Skating Union (ISU) President Kim Jae-yeol, speaking at a press conference at the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal, said he was surprised by the number of medications the figure skater took Russian. Kamila Valieva disqualified for anti-doping rule violation.

At the end of January, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) suspended Valieva for four years for violating anti-doping rules. The 17-year-old Russian’s suspension period begins on December 25, 2021, and her results have been canceled since that date. The court’s decision led to a review of the results of the team figure skating tournament at the 2022 Olympics, where the Russian team won. First place is now awarded to the American team, the Japanese are second and the Russians will receive bronze. Valieva was also deprived of gold at the European Championship.

“I would like to emphasize that this case with Valieva is very regrettable. It touched a lot of people; two years have passed since the end of the Beijing Olympic Games. It is important that we make the final decision so that skaters can get the medals they deserve. I would like to express my regrets regarding the postponement (of the team tournament award ceremony). I understand their frustration, but I respect their patience.

We were surprised that Valieva took 56 medications at the age of 15,” Kim Jae El said at a press conference.