15 Feb 2022

Kamila Valieva allowed to compete at Olympics

From Morning Report, 8:46 am on 15 February 2022

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva can compete at the Winter Olympics, despite failing a drug test in December.

The sport's highest court has ruled "exceptional circumstances" mean the 15-year-old will not be suspended. However, if she wins, they won't hold a ceremony.

Global Athlete director general Rob Koehler says the decision is a clear blow to the credability of sport and the rules should apply to teenagers, or they shouldn't compete at all.

However, critics are questioning why an athlete who failed a drug test is being allowed to compete.

Beijing correspondent Patrick Fok spoke to Corin Dann.