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BEIJING, China — Kamila Valieva took her first step towards a second gold medal at the Beijing Olympics by topping the standings after the women’s individual figure skating short program on Tuesday.
The 15-year-old Russian skater scored 82.16 points, almost two points ahead of her compatriot Anna Shcherbakova (80.20). Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto (79.84) ranks third ahead of another representative of the Russian Olympic Committee (COR), Alexandra Trusova (74.60).
The only Canadian among the 30 skaters registered for the competition, Ontarian Madeline Schizas qualified for the free program, which will be presented on Thursday. Her score of 60.53 points left her in 20th place.
In principle, the skaters occupying the first 24 places would participate in the free program. However, the rules have been modified to make room for a 25th athlete in the event that Valieva deserves her place in the next round.
Valieva tested positive on December 25 for a banned heart medication. However, the result only emerged last week, after two brilliant performances helped the Russian team claim gold in the team competition.
Early Monday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Valieva should be admitted to the competition in part because she is a minor, therefore considered a “protected person”, and is subject to different rules than those affecting adult athletes.
The decision, made by a three-person committee, was heavily criticized, including by athletes who took to the ice ahead of Valieva on Tuesday night.
In an interview aired Monday evening on a Russian television station, Valieva said she was happy but exhausted, and that the past few days had been difficult for her.
Valieva’s lawyers have claimed that the Russian skater failed this doping test before the Olympics due to contamination from drugs taken by her grandfather.
Valieva is the favorite to win the competition. However, if she manages to reach the podium, the International Olympic Committee will not organize a medal ceremony.
