Inside the Fight Over an Olympic Figure Skater’s Drug Test

The organization that is leading the anti-doping efforts at the Beijing Olympics has confirmed that 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance. The International Testing Agency, in a statement Friday, also revealed that Russian anti-doping officials had cleared Valieva to compete in the women’s figure skating event, despite initially issuing a provisional suspension.

The ITA said it was not clear why Russian officials reversed the provisional ban on Valieva. However, the anti-doping watchdog said it was filing an emergency appeal with…