Skating Scandal: Frustration After Russian Figure Skater Fails Drug Test, But Allowed To Skate Anyway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A dark cloud is hanging over the women’s Olympic figure skating competition, amid a doping scandal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Monday that Russian skater Kamila Valieva could compete, after a positive drug test surfaced last week.

The 15-year-old tested positive for Trimetazidine in December. The heart medicine is believed to boost athlete’s blood efficiency and endurance. Valieva claims there was a mix up with her grandfather’s medication. Track star Sha’Carri Richardson says there’s a double standard. Richardson was banned from competing in the Tokyo Summer Games after testing positive for THC, which is not believed to give athletes’ a performance boost. She later said her action was the result of mourning her mother’s death. Richardson also wrote on Twitter, “The only difference I see is I’m a Black young lady.”

Other figures skaters also speaking out, including: Kristi Yamiguchi and Scott Hamilton.

Our question of the night: is there a double standard?

This episode’s panel features:
WCCB TV’s Morgan Fogarty
WCCB News @ Ten anchor Drew Bollea
WCCB News Edge contributor Tremaine “QCB” Sloan