BEIJING (AP) — There were a couple of golden moments for the United States during Thursday morning action at the Beijing Games.
Nathan Chen has joined an exclusive club of U.S. Olympic men’s figure skating champions, capping a four-year journey that started after his medal hopes were dashed at the Pyeongchang Games. The 22-year-old’s win in Beijing will make him the seventh U.S. men’s skater to step atop the podium.
Chen delivered a rousing performance of his “Rocketman” free skate, drawing cheers from the limited crowd of spectators.
Chen’s score easily outdistanced his closest pursuers, Yuma Kagiyama and Shoma Uno of Japan.
American Chloe Kim has won gold in the women’s halfpipe, turning in a strong opening run as she easily defended her Olympic title. No one was matching Kim’s height or demanding array of tricks after an opening performance that featured a variety of different spins and rotations, including a front and backside 1080.
OLYMPICS-VALIEVA
Report: Valieva tested positive for banned medication
BEIJING (AP) — Kamila Valieva has practiced in Beijing hours after reports that she tested positive for a banned substance. The 15-year-old Russian superstar is expected to deliver her nation its third straight Olympic gold medal in women’s figure skating.
The Russian newspaper RBC reported that she tested positive for a banned heart medication before the Beijing Games. The sample was reportedly obtained before Valieva won the European championship last month in Estonia.
It’s unclear if Russia is appealing or fighting the result.
Her appearance at practice implies that the federation isn’t accepting the ruling. A positive test could cost Russia the gold medal from the team competition and threaten Valieva’s chance to win the individual competition that starts Tuesday.
The drug is used to to treat angina and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a stimulant. It is unclear whether Valieva has any heart problems.
