Russian figure skating team falls under doping shadow

Alexei Zheleznyakov, who is part of the team of Russian figure skating coach Eteri Tutberidze, responded to recent reports about a suspicious doping test that one of the skaters of the Russian national team had at the Beijing Olympics.

Zheleznyakov said that he did not believe that anyone from the Russian team could violate anti-doping rules.

"The guys took samples before the Games, most likely when they arrived and after their performances. We were staying at the hotel without getting out, but now they suddenly found something, and it happened right after the gold medal,” Alexei Zheleznyakov, who choreographs the Russian figure skaters in Beijing wrote on his Facebook account.

According to him, the whole situation is a circus.

"Our young athletes — they are, in fact, children — are clean and beautiful,” he concluded.

On February 9, Inside the Games reported that a Russian figure skater, who performed in the team tournament, took a dubious test before the Olympics. In this regard, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held legal consultations with the International Skating Union (ISU) and postponed the awards ceremony. The Russians won the team tournament on 7 February.

Reportedly, it goes about the doubtful test from figure skater Kamila Valieva. She is under 16 years of age, therefore, the proceedings to investigate her doping test are held in a special regime and require the participation of lawyers.

According to Inside the Games, the analysis of the incident may last until Thursday, February 10. At the same time, if Valieva's test is confirmed as positive, the Russian figure skater is likely to face a less severe punishment due to her age.