Minimum ages for figure skaters? Some at the Beijing Olympics say it's a good idea [View all]

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva finished her short program routine earlier this week and promptly burst into tears. After skating off the ice, the emotional Valieva grabbed a stuffed animal her coach handed her and waited to be judged. She ended the program in first place.

For days leading up to her event, the 15-year-old skater faced intense scrutiny after a pre-Games doping violation came to light. She was still allowed to compete at the women's figure skating final on Thursday despite this violation, and ultimately placed fourth after multiple stumbles.

Valieva's participation in the Games after the positive test was met with harsh criticism — but even some of these critics say that ultimately the teen doesn't bear all of the blame here. At such a young age, Valieva is being guided by a team of adults — officials and coaches that make decisions for her.

Former Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon recently criticized Valieva's team. Rippon coaches U.S. figure skater Mariah Bell.

"Valieva is 15. I doubt very much she knowingly doped. She's a minor. The adults completely failed her," he told NPR.

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/17/1081030007/valieva-figure-skating-minimum-age-limits
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I would prefer that all Olympic athletes be at least 18.