15-year-old Russian figure skater, Kamilla Valieva, tested positive for a banned drug, Trimetazidine, before the Beijing Olympics, according to a statement from the International Testing Agency. The drug is said to improve endurance by helping the heart work better. 

Russia is currently serving a multi-year ban from the Olympics that was an effect of being involved in a previous drug scandal. However, if granted special permission, Russian athletes are allowed to compete in the Olympics and other international sports events, as long as it’s confirmed by their sports federations that there is no use of any banned substances. The required check-in with their sports federation is mandatory due to a state-orchestrated cheating scheme during the 2014 Olympics. 

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the International Skating Union (ISU) has announced that it is exempting all Russian skaters from performing in international skating competitions. In a statement by the ISU, Russia states that no skaters from Russia or Belarus “shall be invited or allowed to participate in international ice skating competitions including ISU Championships and other ISU Events.”  Many organizations, including ISU, have taken legal action against Russian athletes or officials.

Russia won five skating medals but until Valieva’s case is resolved, no medals will be awarded. USA sprinter, Sha’Carri Richardson, was disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics due to THC being found in her system. Both Richardson and Valieva’s situations are very similar, however only Richardson completely lost her ability to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Richardson took to Twitter and stated her stance, “…The only difference is that I’m a black young lady.” Valeria used a performance enhancing drug which puts her at an advantage to other athletes. While THC is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list, so is Trimetazidine. The difference being Marijuanna is not a performance enhancing drug and in many states, is legal.