Winter Olympics’ Short Program Controversy

During the women’s short program skate at the Winter Olympics, the NBC commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir stayed silent during Valieva’s short program performance. Kamila Valieva, a 15-year-old Russian skater, tested positive for a heart medication said to increase blood flow to the heart, a substance banned by the Olympics. However, she was allowed to compete. Many athletes and coaches, including former Team USA’s Adam Rippon, are appalled by the Olympics’ response to Valieva testing positive for a banned substance.

Lipinski and Weir’s silent protest only adds to the turmoil and unrest surrounding the scandals of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Continuing, if Valieva wins a medal, however, they will be no medal ceremony held for the women’s short program.

Image Credit: TIME