- Russian skater Kamila Valieva is at the center of a doping scandal that has rocked the Olympics.
- The 15-year-old was still allowed to compete in the women's short program after failing a drug test.
- Valieva cried after finishing her routine, which launched her into first place in the event.
Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old Russian Olympic Committee figure skater at the center of a doping test controversy, broke down in tears after her solo performance during Tuesday's singles figure skating event.
Despite news of a failed drug test coming to light in the days before her individual event, Valieva was allowed to compete following an expedited legal battle over her Olympic eligibility. All eyes were on the teenager as she took the ice for the women's short program.
And once the highly-anticipated performance was over, Valieva was overcome with emotion.
Valieva tested positive for the banned heart drug Trimetazidine in December. The World Anti-Doping Agency categorizes the drug as a "hormone and metabolic modulator," per the Associated Press.
When taken without proper cause, the drug can help bolster endurance and improve circulation. Both effects could give a high-level figure skater a significant competitive advantage.
Valieva was initially slapped with a provisional suspension from Russia's anti-doping agency (RUSADA) after the positive test surfaced. However, following a swift appeal, the ban was overturned on February 9.
The IOC then challenged that decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport. On Monday, the court issued a shocking ruling that lifted Valieva's provisional suspension and paved the way for the teen to participate in Tuesday's women's single skating short program.
Many close to the sport slammed the decision to keep Valieva in the field.
Despite all the noise, Valieva took the ice Tuesday evening in Beijing. And even though she stumbled on an early jump, she skated well enough to finish first in the competition.
Check out clips of her short program performance below:
—CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 15, 2022
—7Olympics (@7olympics) February 15, 2022
Now, Valieva moves on to Thursday's medal event as the favorite to win it all. But the IOC will not allow her — or any other competitor — to collect their medals if Valieva finishes in the top three.