Favored Russian figure skater has placed 4th at Olympics

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Kamila Valieva's name has been all over the news in the past week because it was determined that she had a banned substance in her system during a drug test performed back in December. She is 15 years old and appealed her suspension from the Games to the Court of Arbitration for Sport who ruled that she could participate in the women's individual competition due to her status as a "protected person" because she is a minor. She was the clear leader and favorite to win gold after her short program a couple of days ago. Today, however, was a disaster for her. From the very first jump it was clear that she was "off". Then she almost fell and had to put her hand down on the ice to stay up. If that wasn't bad enough she landed several jumps poorly and fell for real two times. She hung her head, covered her face, and cried while still on the ice and absolutely sobbed when she reached her coaches. It was very sad to see. Yes I agree with those who say that she should not have been allowed to compete. That being said she is just 15 years old so obviously adults in her training directed the use of performance-enhancing drugs and she must be absolutely mortified now that the world has seen that program.