(Beijing Winter Olympics) International Olympic Committee President Bach: Hope to properly resolve the figure skater Valieva incident

　　China News Agency, Beijing, February 18 (Reporter Chen Hang) International Olympic Committee President Bach said at a press conference on the 18th that he hoped that the doping incident involving figure skater Valieva could be resolved in a proper way.

On February 17, the Russian Olympic Committee athlete Kamila Valieva competed.

On the same day, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics figure skating women's single skating free skating competition was held at the Capital Gymnasium.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Mao Jianjun

　　On the 17th, in the figure skating women's single free skating competition at the Beijing Winter Olympics, Valieva, who ranked first in the short program, made many mistakes in the competition and finally missed the podium.

When the results were announced, Valieva sat in the waiting area and cried for a long time.

　　"When I watched the game on TV yesterday, I felt very uneasy." Bach said that he has been an athlete and fully understands the pressure that athletes bear.

"I think the pressure on Valieva is unimaginable. This 15-year-old girl fell on the ice and kept getting up, plucking up the courage to finally finish the competition."

　　Bach said it could be felt from Valieva's body language.

She experienced tremendous mental stress.

"I hope she can get support from her family and friends to help her through this difficult time, and hope that this matter can be resolved in a proper way."

　　On February 8, 2022, Valieva was temporarily suspended by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency due to a positive test sample in December 2021. After Valieva appealed to the Disciplinary Committee of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, the temporary ban was allowed to be lifted. , continue to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics.

　　Subsequently, the International Inspection Agency (ITA) appealed to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.

The International Court of Arbitration for Sport said on February 14 that Valieva will be allowed to continue participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics and will not impose any temporary ban on her.

　　Bach said that Valieva's previous test sample was indeed positive, and this matter must be resolved.

"Even if this result comes out two hours before you play, our responsibility is still to keep the field fair. We appealed to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport and felt that for various reasons, she was not fit to play again, but we We lost, and we respect the verdict."

　　Bach said that the International Olympic Committee needs to have intensive discussions with many professionals, including whether the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) needs to review and revise relevant rules, and whether the International Skating Union (ISU) should define the minimum age limit for participating in the Olympic Games. .

　　Bach said that the current anti-doping rules are to ensure the fairness of the competition, and the same rules should apply to everyone, while respecting special circumstances such as athletes being minors.

(over)