The International Olympic Committee has urged journalists at the Beijing Winter Games to remain calm amid the positive doping test of 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valiyeva.

Earlier, journalists from various British media had reported threats by email and on social networks and persecution by Russian journalists right down to the canteen of the games press centre.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams literally said at the daily press conference of the Olympic organizers: "Everybody needs to take a chill pill", loosely translated as: everyone has to relax.

Christopher Becker

sports editor.

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Meanwhile, the International Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is hearing the lawsuit brought by the IOC, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Skating Union ISU against the Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA, said it would explain the matter after the hearing when the decision will be announced.

The international organizations are challenging RUSADA's February 9 decision to lift Valiyeva's temporary suspension, following the February 8 announcement of a positive finding in a specimen taken at the Russian Figure Skating Championships.

The laboratory of the World Anti-Doping Agency found traces of the heart drug trimetazidine, which is on the doping list, in the sample.

Decision before the individual competition

A ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport ad hoc panel dealing with in-game cases on the legality of lifting the suspension is expected before the start of the women's individual competition on Tuesday.

Adams said Saturday he was as certain as he could be that that question would be decided before the competition began.

The question of whether the Russian team will lose the victory in the team competition will only be decided after the end of the Olympic Games.

Adams also explained the IOC's appeal, which was legally unnecessary as the sample was not taken during the games.

The challenge was advisable due to the increased public attention.

“We want a fair trial and we want the fair trial as soon as possible.

It has a significant impact on the Olympics and we want to send a signal that it will be resolved as soon as possible.”

harassment of journalists

Before and after the Valiyeva case was confirmed, British journalists, especially those from the industry portal Inside The Games, were subjected to abuse.

The reporters are easily identifiable because of their clothing, which clearly shows their medium's name.

An “Inside-the-Games” reporter told FAZ.NET how he was filmed and harassed by a Russian colleague in the canteen at close range against his will.

Other journalists reported receiving email threats warning them not to drink tea, apparently in reference to the 2006 polonium poisoning of former KGB operative and MI6 defector Alexander Litvinenko in London.

The Russian journalists with whom FAZ.NET has spoken in Beijing on the Valiyeva affair have behaved in a collegial to friendly manner.

Asked about the British reports, Adams said at the press conference: "Tempers are running a bit high, especially since it's about a 15-year-old athlete.

I understand that all sorts of arguments are being used on all sides, it is unacceptable for these to turn into threats and violence if that has happened.

It doesn't affect the vast majority, but we urge everyone to remain calm and respect the Olympic value of dealing with one another."