Russian coach Tatiana Tarasova has insisted all athletes are clean
The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) have insisted that their figure skaters are clean amid delays over athletes receiving their gold medals due to an “emerging legal issue.”
Monday’s event was won by the athletes of the ROC, which included 15-year-old Kamila Valieva, who became the first woman to land four quadruple jumps at the Games.
The ROC were able to take gold, with Japan and the USA taking the silver and bronze medals, beating the likes of Canada and China to the podium.
Following the event, the three teams received Olympic mascot teddy bears at a small ceremony, with a podium presentation due to take place the following day (Tuesday) at the medals plaza, but have still yet to receive them by today (Wednesday).
As per reports from InsidetheGames via The Telegraph, the delay has been caused by a situation between the ROC and international doping committee relating to a problem surrounding a drugs test conducted before the Winter Olympics.
All Russian skaters are competing in Beijing as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee as opposed to Russia, due to ongoing doping issues – provided that they can prove they are clean from using any drugs.
Although no details on the ongoing situation were revealed, Mark Adams, a spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said: “A situation arose at short notice that requires legal consultation.
“You can bet your bottom dollar we are doing everything that this situation can be resolved as soon as possible. I cannot give you any more details but we will do our level utmost.”
Related links:
- 15-year-old Kamila Valieva lands historic quadruple jump at Winter Olympics
- Why so many countries are boycotting the Winter Olympics
- Everything you didn’t know about the Winter Olympics
