For the first 20 seconds of her routine, Kamila Valieva glided across the rink. Then she launched into a spin. Arms above her head, she hung in the air for four rotations.

Valieva was in the air for less than a second, but it was a second that made history: she is the first woman in Olympic history to land a quadruple jump. A minute later, she did it again.  

Commentators exclaimed in awe: "Clean as a whistle!" "Wasn't it beautiful!"

Valieva left the rink with a score of 104, winning her team the gold medal. Hours later, the glory was gone. Reports emerged suggesting she had tested positive for illegal dopingDrugs, hormones and blood transfusions can all help to give athletes a crucial advantage. Some sports theorists say that doping is no less fair than using sophisticated technology or dietary supplements, but due to health risks and perceived dishonesty, most of these techniques are banned.. 

This could cost Russian teams the gold medal and threaten Valieva's chance to win the individual event next week. It could have a huge impact on her career - and she is only 15.

Traditional doping is not common in figure skating because extra muscle adds weight, making the jumps harder. Some argue the pressures of the sport make turning to drugs unsurprising. 

Figure skating is one of the most demanding Olympic events. Completing a jump like Valieva's requires flexibility, precision and strength.

Skaters are under extreme pressure. Years of gruelling training are funnelled into a routine that lasts minutes. That pressure can have devastating effects.

In recent years physical prowess has become increasingly important in figure skating. Changes in the scoring systemPreviously points were awarded for both artistic and technical merit, which gave some weight to the judge's objective assessments. The system was made more objective after a fixing scandal in 2002. have placed more emphasis on dangerous stunts while discouraging gentler styles.

Some lament that this comes at the expense of beauty. "The artistic side of women's skating has decreased a lot," says US skater Polina Edmonds. "Just because you can do jumps, doesn't mean you can do really intricate footwork."

The focus on spectacular leaps affects which skaters can successfully compete. In the women's event, only teenagers have a body shapeFully mature women have broader hips, which slows the momentum of the spin. Teenagers have similar strength but with lighter and narrower bodies. that allows the most spectacular jumps.

The Russian team that includes Valieva is dominated by young skaters. Most female Russian skaters end their careers before they reach 20, often injured. The physical and emotional toll on these young athletes is intense.

"What insane people," one figure skater asks, "would put their bodies through the constant pain and humiliation and stress?" Her answer is clear: "the type of athletes who are willing to go through hell and back." But does aestheticConcerned with an artwork's beauty. Aesthetics is the branch of philosopher that explores art, beauty and taste. and athletic brilliance justify the hurt?

Yes: The modern industry of elite sport is a brutal machine that chews up young people in the name of national glory, then spits them out scarred. However impressive, the cost is too great.

No: Not only are these skaters pushing the limits of what the human body can do; they are also following their passion. Such miracles of grace and strength should be honoured, not pitied.

Or... Athletes have every right to put themselves through bruising ordeals in pursuit of greatness, but when those athletes are children it's more complicated. Sports authorities should get serious about their duty of care.