Flooding with malicious comments and mocking emoticons in Russian
I am former figure skater Kim Yuna
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] As Kim Yuna raised her voice in criticism of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, who tested positive for banned substances in a doping test, Russian netizens are flooding Kim Yuna's social media accounts with 'malicious comments,' escalating the controversy.
On the 18th, some Russian netizens posted malicious comments on Kim Yuna's Instagram account. They left comments in Russian such as "Valieva is only 15 years old. Are you jealous?", "Aren't you ashamed to criticize a girl?", "Be ready to apologize if her innocence is proven," "Don't bully others," and "I am very disappointed in Kim Yuna," while also flooding the page with mocking emoticons.
Earlier, on the 14th, Kim Yuna posted on her Instagram, "Athletes who violate doping regulations cannot participate in competitions. This principle must be upheld without exception. The efforts and dreams of all athletes are equally precious."
Russian netizens who left malicious comments on Kim Yuna's social networking service (SNS) / Photo by Instagram capture
At that time, Kim Yuna's post did not mention Valieva's name. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed the decision to lift Valieva's provisional suspension that day, allowing her to compete in the women's figure skating individual event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics the following day. This led some to speculate that Kim Yuna's post was a criticism aimed at Valieva.
Previously, Valieva, who was emerging as a promising 'figure star' in Russia, became embroiled in controversy after it was officially confirmed on the 11th that her sample tested positive for the banned substance 'trimetazidine.' Trimetazidine is an ingredient in medication used to treat angina, which improves blood flow and can act as a stimulant, and has been classified as a banned substance since 2014.
Upon receiving these test results, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) automatically imposed a provisional suspension on Valieva. However, Valieva's side appealed and succeeded in having the disciplinary action withdrawn.
Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), who caused a 'doping scandal,' is seen shedding tears after finishing 4th with a total score of 224.09 points in the women's singles free skating at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics held on the afternoon of the 17th at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China. / Photo by Yonhap News
Subsequently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and International Skating Union (ISU) opposed this and filed an appeal with CAS, but ultimately failed to overturn RUSADA's decision to lift the suspension.
Meanwhile, Valieva competed in the women's individual event at the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium on the 17th but showed a disappointing performance.
She made mistakes on 5 out of 7 jump elements in this competition. Her total score was 224.09 points, placing her 4th overall and failing to enter the medal zone.
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