1 / So…this is how the WADA anti-doping code defines a “protected person." 
2/ And this is the language related to disclosure:
3 / There are several sections regarding potential athlete sanctions. I recommend searching WADA code for “protected.” In the case of athlete under 16, much discussion involves sanctions for “support personnel” (coach, physio, doctor, etc.) The code: wada-ama.org/sites/default/…
4/ So maybe this could catalyze a change to make the minimum eligibility age for Olympic athletes 16 (Valieva, reportedly at the center of this, is 15.) Why should you be able to compete for a medal but not face the same potential disclosure and sanction as a 16-year-old?
5 / If in fact this turns out to be judged a doping positive, could we be looking at East Germany redux, another case of young athletes being given banned PEDS without their knowledge?
6 / At this point, with incomplete information, speculating about outcomes is just that…speculating.
7 / However, even if there is no sanction, and the athlete reportedly involved is allowed to keep competing, there will forever be a shadow over her reputation
8 / Some Russian media are reporting the drug involved is trimetazidine. It is classified under “metabolic modulators” on the WADA list of banned substances. It is used medically to improve oxygen supply to the heart.
9 / When I began covering the Olympics, I had no idea that I should have majored in pharmacology. PEDs have been used for more than 50 years (they weren’t banned at the outset), but the tipping point for coverage of them was the Ben Johnson case in 1988.
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