"Principles Must Be Upheld"... Japanese Media Also Focus on Criticism of Kim Yuna's Valieva 'Doping' Allegations

Yuna Kim Targets "Doping Rule Violation" by Valieva: "There Should Be No Exceptions to the Rules"

Former figure skater Kim Yuna is greeting the audience during the opening cast introduction at the 'All That Skate 2018' performance held at Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jeong-wan] Former figure skater Kim Yuna (32) criticized Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva (16, Russian Olympic Committee), who was allowed to compete in the Olympics despite allegations of doping on the 14th, saying "principles must be upheld," drawing attention from foreign media as well.

On that day, Kim Yuna posted on her Instagram, "An athlete who violates doping cannot compete in the game. This principle must be observed without exception. All players' efforts and dreams are equally precious," expressing her stance.

Former figure skating athlete Kim Yuna recently voiced criticism regarding the doping incident that occurred at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Photo by Kim Yuna Instagram capture

Although she did not mention any names or provide specific clues in the post, it is interpreted as criticism of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) allowing Valieva, who tested positive for banned substances, to participate in the Olympics.

Japanese media Digest reported, "The women's figure skating world is shaken. Valieva, who violated doping regulations, is now allowed to compete in the women's figure skating short program. There is much controversy in the figure skating community about a player who violated doping rules participating in the competition. The player who spoke sharply here is none other than former national representative Kim Yuna."

Japanese netizens also responded with comments such as "I usually don't agree with Korean opinions, but I agree with this one," "I didn't like her when she competed against (Asada) Mao, but the words of someone who reached the top are fair, and I feel the pride of a gold medalist," and "Considering fairness with other players, participation is absolutely not allowed."

American media Fox Sports reported, "Kim Yuna of Korea, the gold medalist in figure skating at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, made a 'rare statement' on Instagram that Valieva should be banned from competing," relaying Kim Yuna's post.

Tara Lipinski, the gold medalist in women's singles at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, criticized, "(Valieva's participation) is heartbreaking," and said, "The CAS decision will leave an indelible scar on the history of world sports."

Earlier, in December last year, the banned substance trimetazidine was detected in Valieva's urine sample submitted at the Russian Championships held in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and International Skating Union (ISU) filed an objection with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's (RUSADA) withdrawal of Valieva's sanction after receiving the doping violation notification, but the CAS decision was dismissal. The reasons cited included that Valieva is a protected athlete under 16 years old and that the notification of the positive doping test was too late.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.