Dmitry Guberniev, a familiar face in sports commentary and television, reacted to Kamila Valieva being named the host of the program New Song of the Year. His remarks, highlighted by Sports24, underscored the significance of the moment for Valieva as she takes on a new role beyond the ice.
Guberniev described the move as a major challenge for Valieva and expressed confidence that television executives know how to steer the project. He pointed to a successful parallel with Alina Zagitova, suggesting that the right mentorship and opportunity can help Valieva rise alongside established figures in the medium.
Maybe Kamila will carve out a new identity on screen, perhaps becoming a style of presence similar to prominent TV personalities like Ksenia Sobchak, Tina Kandelaki, or Ekaterina Andreeva. Yet he emphasized that Valieva should aim to be the first Kamila Valieva, bringing her unique talent to television and letting it define her on-air persona.
The spotlight has also fallen on Valieva due to a doping controversy linked to traces of the banned drug trimetazidine found in a doping test conducted during the Beijing Olympic Games. While the team event title was claimed by the team, questions persisted about her eligibility in individual events. Valieva competed in the individual championships and finished in fourth place. The situation has spurred ongoing discussion across the sport and media.
The case has moved into the hands of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Proceedings began in a recent session, with the court postponing a final ruling to gather additional documentation. The outcome remains awaited as the process continues, with observers watching for clarity on Valieva’s status and any implications for her future competition schedule.
Earlier, figure skater Yevgeniya Tuktamysheva offered reflections on a widely discussed moment in her sport, including commentary about personal choices around public appearances and attire. Her remarks added another layer to the public conversation surrounding athletes navigating life in the public eye while pursuing top-level competition.