SUMMARY
- Russian Skater Kamila Valieva's ban has caused an uproar in the sporting world.
- Serena Williams and Simone Biles were suspected of doping during the peak of their careers.
Over the past few years, doping cases have been on the rise. There is no particular sport where the doping cases have come down to zero. Especially at the Olympics, it is prevalent as athletes are under massive pressure. The case of Kamila Valieva has sent shockwaves across the sport. The Russian officials engaged in further controversy by mentioning Serena Williams and Simona Biles.
When the news broke out about Valieva, the X handle of the Russian embassy in South Africa immediately posted a now-deleted post about Biles and Williams using different means for doping. They said that the ban on Russian athletes was politically motivated.
The tweet was later removed, but the Russian embassy posted a tweet explaining their earlier post. They clarified that it was not a racially motivated post. In 2016, Russian hackers leaked confidential medical documents of many high-profile athletes. It had their drug usage, which was taken under the exemption of WADA. Certain information was again posted on X this time.
In 2016, WADA documents were leaked on the Internet, revealing that both Serena Williams and Simone Biles used doping – under the so-called “Therapeutic Use Exemptions” (TUEs). The antidoping agency confirmed the authenticity of the documents.
According to the media, Serena… pic.twitter.com/MbLvRwZDRV
— Russian Embassy in South Africa 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) February 1, 2024
Their latest post on the doping incident mentioned the number of instances in which Biles and Williams used certain substances. It said that both athletes had misused the authority of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Even though they were granted official permission from WADA, the Russian embassy seemed to think that they were given special treatment.
Serena Williams and her battle with drug testing
Serena Williams has been one of the athletes on the WTA tour who was known for her consistency. The former world No. 1 dominated the sport during her peak, which gave her 23 grand slam titles in singles. But there have been instances where she has questioned being tested multiple times. Williams has had multiple run-ins with the WADA regarding her Therapeutic Use Exemptions.
Athletes are allowed to take certain banned substances for medical purposes. Only if they receive an exemption from WADA can they consume it. The TUEs have been used on eight different occasions by Williams on the tour. It started in 2010, and the last time she received an exemption was in 2018. The most used drug by Williams was Prednisone, which she used on five different occasions.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner first used Prednisone in 2014 during the French Open. It is not a performance-enhancement drug, but it helps them manage pain and boost recovery. These TUEs are allowed for acute conditions or emergencies. The exact health ailments of Williams remain confidential, but the exemptions made along with the drugs used are known to the public.
In order to get the exemptions, the doctors who treat the athletes submit documents supporting their cause. It is then reviewed by multiple doctors, as the identity of the athlete remains hidden. They will decide whether to grant an exemption or not and enter the information into the WADA database. But the final decision rests with the WADA.
Simone Biles reveals medical condition after doping allegations
Biles has been regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She has won four Olympic gold medals along with 23 World Championship titles. Biles faced a lot of pressure in 2016 when her medical records were leaked to the public. It showed that she had used methylphenidate, which was on the banned drug list by the WADA.
The 26-year-old was forced to reveal her medical condition, for which she had to take the drug. Biles informed the public that she had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She tweeted on X regarding the condition she had from childhood. Biles had taken an exemption from the International Gymnastics Federation.
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) September 13, 2016
The American athlete insisted she would never cheat in the sport. The drug she consumed does not give her any physical edge. It helps in bringing focus and concentration. With TUE, Biles was allowed to take the drug during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Kamila Valieva causes Olympic scandal amid doping ban
Kamila Valieva was one of the youngest Russian athletes at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She finished fourth in the singles figure skating but was part of the team figure skating, which won gold. Prior to the Winter Olympics, Valieva won the 2022 European championship in singles figure skating. But now her achievements have been tarnished by the doping ban.
The 17-year-old tested positive for trimetazidine in one of her samples collected in December 2021 during the Russian National Championships. The Court for Arbitration of Sport (CAS) has banned Valieva from competing in international events until December 2025. She will be stripped of her medals at the 2022 European Championship and the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Here’s the decision: A four-year ban for Valieva from Dec 2021 to Dec 2025. Her Olympic results are disqualified, CAS says. A huge win for clean sport and massive loss for the Russian doping system. pic.twitter.com/7ArFoisqNv
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) January 29, 2024
The Russian team had won the gold in team figure skating. But with the youngster testing positive, the gold medal will now be awarded to the USA, the silver medal to Japan, and the bronze to Russia instead of Canada. The Canadian officials are planning to appeal for the bronze medal as things do not look bright for Russia. The Russian athletes have lost the medal along with their fame in the games.