IOC defends decision not to award medals if Kamila Valieva finishes in women's singles top three

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended its decision not to award medals in the women's singles skating in Beijing if Russia's Kamila Valieva finishes in the top three until her failed drug test has been fully investigated. The 15-year-old’s provisional suspension was lifted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has opted not to re-impose it, citing “exceptional circumstances” and fears she could suffer “irreparable harm” as a result. Valieva, favourite to claim the title, will now be free to compete in the short program at the Capital Indoor Arena on Tuesday, although with the International Olympic Committee having announced that medals will not be presented until a full inquiry into her doping case has been completed.