Choreographer Daniil Gleikhengauz addressed the topic on his social media, asserting that the coaching team led by Eteri Tutberidze has never used performance-enhancing methods. This clarification came in the wake of a high-profile doping controversy surrounding Tutberidze’s student Kamila Valieva.
Gleikhengauz emphasized that his team stands for clean sport and rejects any form of doping. He pointed to a well-established system and questioned the logic of doping toward any athlete, underscoring the commitment to fair competition. The public statements reflected a broader stance within the coaching circle that emphasizes traceable integrity and accountability in elite figure skating. (CIT: official statements from the Tutberidze coaching group, as reported by major sports outlets)
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rendered a four-year suspension decision affecting Valieva, with the period starting in December 2021 and announced on January 29 of the following year. The ruling placed Valieva at the center of a legal and ethical debate about doping controls, timelines, and the processes used to verify eligibility in top-level sport. (CIT: CAS ruling press release and subsequent coverage by major outlets)
During the 2022 Winter Olympics, Valieva competed as part of the Russian national team, contributing to a team victory and achieving a fourth-place finish in the individual event. Following the disqualification and related procedural developments, the International Skating Union (ISU) adjusted the team standings, awarding Russia the bronze in the team event while maintaining the team’s overall medal tally for the Games. The United States secured gold in the team competition, and Japan earned silver. These outcomes illustrate how sanctions can reshape medals and recognition even when broader results are preserved in some contexts. (CIT: ISU competition records and official Olympic results summaries)
In related commentary, former coaches and analysts have weighed in on the Valieva case, with some suggesting that different outcomes might have emerged under alternative circumstances. Observers noted that the interplay between governance, legal frameworks, and public perception can influence how teams and athletes respond to doping investigations. The discussions highlighted the ongoing need for transparent evidence, consistent policies, and robust anti-doping education within the sport ecosystem. (CIT: contemporaneous expert analyses and interviews)