The International Olympic Committee responded to coach Eteri Tutberidze’s proposal regarding lie detector testing for every participant in the Kamila Valieva trial. A representative of the organization has been quoted by TASS stating that the IOC’s stance remains unchanged. The focus is on delivering a swift resolution that serves the interests of the athletes involved while preserving the integrity of the competition.
Valieva’s case drew scrutiny during the 2022 Olympic Games when a prohibited substance was detected in a sample taken in December 2021. There were moves to disqualify the skater from competition, but, just before the women’s individual event began, a decision was made to allow her to compete, where she eventually finished in fourth place. The situation has continued to unfold as the case proceeds through legal channels.
If the outcome is favorable to Valieva a medal could be removed from the Russian team in the team event in which she participated. New hearings at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) are scheduled for November 9 and 10 to review the case and any requests for reconsideration.
In related commentary, Natalya Bestemyanova previously suggested Tutberidze’s remarks warranted a pause or corrective action to slow momentum on the issue.