Positive drug test jeopardizes IOC credibility

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Russian figure skating phenom Kamila Valieva has been allowed to compete in the Olympics despite testing positive for PED.

On February 7th, Valieva’s sample detected the use of trimetazidine, a banned substance in figure skating. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) immediately suspended her, but following Valieva’s appeal, the agency reversed its initial decision. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is also investigating the situation and currently hasn't stripped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) of their team's gold medal.

This is not the first time we have seen Russian athletes test positive for banned substances. Russia got banned from any international event after running its own "doping ring". The Russian Olympic Committee was created to let "clean" Russian athletes compete without representing their country.

Valieva was one of those athletes allowed to compete under ROC colors at this year's Games. This new cheating scandal will further damage the image of Russian athletes. Most importantly, Russia's most successful sport will take a beating.

The biggest backlash could be headed straight towards the IOC. Since RUSADA has decided to revoke Valieva's suspension, the IOC decided to let her compete at this week's events.

Not only has she been found in wrongdoing, but she is also currently leading the women's event following this morning's short program. This has created a wave of frustration on social media platforms. This was especially infuriating for one American athlete: Sha'Carri Richardson. Richardson was not allowed to compete at the last summer Olympics as she was found positive for marijuana. The use of marijuana was justified by Richardson to help her cope with her mother's passing. She immediately took her anger out on social media and asked the IOC for an explanation on the differences between the two situations.

The IOC has been under a lot of scrutiny in the past year with controversial decisions, not necessarily related to athletes directly. The IOC has been criticized a lot for hosting this year's game in Beijing when the country is not fit for winter games. The IOC has the opportunity to make the right decision and set a precedent for future young athletes.

One thing is for sure, if the IOC allows Valieva to compete and keep her medals, the Olympics will be changed forever. The Olympics and especially the IOC will lose all credibility. The Olympics motto emphasizes the importance of solidarity, but this could be a divisive moment in sports history.