The Suspense Continues: Vincent Zhou's Olympic Medal Fate Hangs in the Balance Amidst Kamila Valieva's Ongoing Doping Case

American figure skater Vincent Zhou once believed he was living his childhood dream of standing on an Olympic podium in 2022 at the Winter Games in Beijing. Little did he know, it would soon turn into his worst nightmare.

After securing a silver medal in the ice team event, he received the unfortunate news of testing positive for Covid-19 and promptly underwent quarantine. This unfortunate circumstance led to his unavoidable withdrawal from the men's skating competition and exclusion from the Closing Ceremony.

Attempting to make sense of the overwhelming mix of emotions, he took to social media and shared a video message. In the midst of expressing his feelings, he revealed, "The number of times I've shed tears today is beyond count, but I take solace in the fact that at least one of those instances was tears of joy. It was the moment I discovered that I had become an Olympic silver medalist."

Zhou expressed his profound disappointment but ultimately determined that all his hard work and sacrifices over the years had been worthwhile. In a video message, he addressed his future self, stating that his younger self would be proud of the accomplished athlete and person he had become. Zhou attributed this success to having pursued his dreams and becoming the person he had always aimed to be.

However, his dreams of glory were shattered when he realized that he had never set eyes on, embraced, or adorned the coveted medal he had strived relentlessly to gain.

All he received, as recognition for his remarkable performance as one of the world's finest athletes, was a desolate box handed to him moments before departing from China.

Zhou expressed to CNN Sport that testing positive and not participating in the individual event already felt incredibly surreal. However, the situation continued to become more complex and absurd.

None of us anticipated that it would take this much time to resolve a seemingly straightforward case. Nevertheless, here we are, and the situation remains just as surreal as it did on the first day.

On February 06, 2022, in Beijing, China, Vincent Zhou gracefully skates during the men's single skating free skating team event at the Capital Indoor Stadium, as part of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Banned substance

The American team had come in second place behind a team of skaters representing the Russian Olympic Committee. This was a result of Russia's well-known state-sponsored doping scandal that had tainted the Sochi Games in 2014.

However, it was revealed after the event that one of Russia's prominent figures in Beijing, 15-year-old skater Kamila Valieva, had tested positive for the presence of a prohibited substance during a previous competition.

The medal ceremony was abruptly rescheduled. Consequently, the skaters from Russia, the US, and the bronze medalists from Japan posed with the official plush mascots of the Games for the camera instead. US Figure Skating reported that this is the sole instance in the modern Olympic history where athletes were not presented with their medals at the venue.

Valieva has claimed that her positive test for trimetazidine, a heart medication which can also boost endurance, had been ingested accidentally.

Russian Kamila Valieva competes in the women's free skate program during the figure skating competition at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Beijing.

David J. Phillip/AP

One year later, following a lengthy investigation, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) exonerated her completely and absolved her of any responsibility or negligence, despite her violation of anti-doping regulations.

Due to their history, the decision made by RUSADA was challenged by multiple organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Skating Union (ISU), and even RUSADA itself, which appealed a portion of the decision. Currently, the case is under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

During their time in Beijing, Zhou noted that the American athletes had discussions with team liaisons from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), who provided an overview of the situation from an administrative and legal standpoint.

"At that point, there was limited information available," Zhou clarified, "but we left that meeting with a commitment of cooperation and an assurance that the matter would be resolved expeditiously." Additionally, Zhou presumed that the Japanese skaters were engaged in similar dialogues.

Despite 19 months passing since the Games, the athletes, according to Zhou, express a sense of being neglected.

"The governing bodies and organizations in power, who are accountable for making concrete decisions, have failed to communicate with us," Zhou stated. "We have only received press releases, accessible to anyone with internet, offering no additional information."

In his statement released through the athletes advocacy group, Global Athlete, Zhou was highly critical of the IOC, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and CAS.

On February 18, 2022, at the Sheremetevo airport outside Moscow, supporters of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva eagerly awaited her arrival from China, holding up posters.

Rob Koehler, the Director General of Global Athletes, expressed his dissatisfaction with the USOPC, stating, "It is unexpected that they have not actively defended their athletes." According to Koehler, this lack of support stems from the national sports organizations prioritizing their connections with other regulatory bodies over the well-being of their athletes.

Koehler stated that athletes are considered disposable, but the alliances with international federations and the IOC are indispensable, causing athletes to conform. They choose not to challenge those in higher positions, avoiding any form of disruption or distress. While the USOPC did not provide a response to CNN's request for comment, US Figure Skating declared that it has made efforts to support its athletes.

US Figure Skating has made efforts to communicate and raise awareness among its skaters, despite the lack of legal relevance in the process. As a demonstration of their dedication, they curated an exhibition at the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, featuring the nine empty medal boxes. The organization released a statement ensuring their continued support and solidarity with the athletes during this challenging situation. US Figure Skating strives for fairness within the Olympic Movement and eagerly anticipates the outcome of the CAS hearing.

The skaters will have learned the outcome of the CAS hearing almost two years after their proudest achievement ended in a bitter anticlimax. The profound personal cost for each of them is also expected.

In his statement, Zhou acknowledged the significant economic consequences of not receiving an Olympic medal, highlighting the value sponsors attach to them.

Team USA celebrates during the team event flower ceremony at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on February 7, 2022.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Zhou elaborated further to CNN Sport, explaining that figure skaters rely on the benevolence of partners to enable them to perform at the highest level.

The US skater expressed the challenges of putting in hard work without tangible results. "It becomes incredibly tough when you've put in all that effort and have nothing to show for it," they stated. "Sponsors view you differently, because you're not an Olympic medalist. Your market value decreases significantly."

Due to the prolonged resolution process, Koehler believes there may be grounds to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages and lost income.

Koehler highlighted the significant financial impact Olympic athletes have on the industry, with the IOC generating $2.4 billion annually. However, the athletes receive less than half a percent of this revenue and are not compensated for their participation in the Games. The IOC falsely leads athletes to believe that winning a medal will secure their financial future, which is deceptive.

Furthermore, deserving athletes are denied their rightful medals, preventing them from celebrating and benefiting from their hard work. From the beginning, the IOC has deprived athletes of this opportunity. This organization prioritizes its own interests over the welfare of athletes, which is disgraceful.

If CAS decides against Valieva and nullifies Russia's victory in the team figure skating event, the US athletes will receive gold medals instead of silver. However, currently, they have nothing, and Koehler believes that by the time the case is resolved, it will be too late.

Calculating the financial burden on each individual athlete involved in this case would be difficult. In 2016, American shot putter Adam Nelson told CNN about the nine-year gap between his silver medal finish at the 2004 Olympics and the eventual presentation of his gold medal at the airport food court in Atlanta.

Yuriy Bilonog, who had defeated him in Athens, was later disqualified in 2012 after testing positive for the prohibited steroid, oxandrolone, through retroactive testing.

Nelson expressed his disappointment, frustration, and anger, immediately feeling a sense of loss. He realized that this revelation had the potential to significantly alter the course of his life.

Nelson believes his loss in the 2004 event earned him $500,000 less, while Bilonogs' cheating throughout his 12-year career cost him a total of $2.5 million. Zhou now exhibits a strong skepticism towards international sports governing bodies and questions their commitment to combat cheaters and enforce accountability.

The US team, as well as Japan and Canada, who finished fourth and may be awarded a bronze medal, requested permission to observe the CAS proceedings in Lausanne. However, since none of the directly involved parties - RUSADA, WADA, the ISU, and Valieva - have requested a public hearing, the proceedings are taking place privately.

"We simply desire an observer to ensure the impartiality of the proceedings and to ensure that no unethical activities are taking place," Zhou straightforwardly expressed to CNN.

There has been an alarming absence of transparency regarding this matter. These governing bodies are responsible for upholding the principles of fair competition, maintaining integrity in sports, and working in the best interest of the athletes they serve. It is difficult to have a positive outlook on the current situation.

According to the Director General of CAS, Matthieu Reeb, in a statement to CNN Sport, CAS is obligated to respect the wishes of the involved parties. CAS is dedicated to serving its users and cannot force publicity against their consent. Reeb also asserted that CAS should not be held accountable for the length of the procedure.

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Zhou expressed strong criticism towards the organizations tasked with ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for everyone.

According to Zhou, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency has been actively aiding Russian doping activities for more than ten years. Additionally, Zhou stated that the IOC has consistently failed to hold Russia responsible for a government-supported doping scheme that involves over 1,000 athletes.

"WADA, controlled by the IOC through a governing agreement with public authorities, reinstated the Russian Anti-Doping Agency in 2018 despite their refusal to provide data that revealed the full extent of Russian doping," Zhou remarked. "Furthermore, the court involved in the hearing, CAS, which is affiliated with the IOC (with its president serving as the IOC vice-president), has consistently favored Russia."

Zhou posed the question, rhetorically, of which actors in this group are advocating for the interests of both my team and me, as well as the wider sporting community. CNN Sport has contacted RUSADA, the IOC, and WADA for comment. The IOC expressed their understanding of the athletes' frustration, stating in a press release that they strive for competition results to be conclusive during the Games to allow athletes to savor their triumph.

The IOC must comply with and uphold the law, ensuring the protection of individual rights and respecting court judgments. WADA acknowledged and empathized with the frustration concerning the prolonged duration of the case.

WADA emphasized its efforts to ensure prompt action from the authorities throughout this case. Expressing discontent with RUSADA's prolonged delay in reaching a decision, WADA stated that they had taken the matter directly to CAS. WADA asserted their unwavering support for athletes and the promotion of fair play in all instances.

RUSADA did not provide a response when CNN sought their comment.

Meanwhile, Vincent Zhou continues to wait in a state of Olympic uncertainty, unsure of his place among the elite and when he will have anything concrete to showcase. He expresses his efforts to find purpose in the situation and remain motivated to persevere.

Zhou emphasized the necessity for prompt justice, stating that this is not an isolated case of doping violation and it is likely to occur again in the future. If not addressed promptly, such unfortunate incidents will persist. Zhou expressed the desire to make every effort to prevent future generations from witnessing these events.

When questioned about his confidence in accomplishing this goal, his response was rather uncertain: "Well, one can always hope, right?"