At the 2024 Strongest Spartakiad, fans showed strong support for Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, whose results were impacted by a doping ruling. The coverage was reported by Sports Express. The event unfolded amid heightened attention to the sport and its athletes, with supporters rallying behind Valieva as the competition progressed.
During the warm-up for the free program by the leading women’s group, banners appeared on the podium as fans expressed their messages. The atmosphere reflected a mix of admiration and controversy that often accompanies high-stakes figure skating events, where fans use banners to communicate directly with athletes on the ice.
One banner carried the message, “Camila, this is for love,” reflecting the passionate and personal tone some fans bring to supporting athletes facing difficult moments. Such gestures are part of the broader culture of sports fandom, where dedication and emotion are openly displayed in arenas around the world.
In January, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued a ruling concerning Valieva, determining a four-year disqualification related to anti-doping rules. The decision meant that Valieva would be barred from competition through December 2025, aligning with the governing bodies’ efforts to enforce clean sport while balancing the complexity of each case.
Februaries’ release of the CAS reasoning offered further context. The Russian side argued that a banned substance entered Valieva’s system via a dessert prepared by her grandfather. The outcome included forfeiture of certain titles at national, continental, and Olympic levels, underscoring how doping rulings can alter the historical record and athletes’ legacies across major competitions.
Within the Spartakiad, the group’s results highlighted the accomplishments of Adelia Petrosyan, coached by Eteri Tutberidze, who led the competition. Anna Frolova secured a strong finish in second place, while Ksenia Sinitsyna also placed among the top competitors, illustrating the depth of talent showcased during the event.
Earlier remarks from notable coaches and figures in the sport praised Valieva, reflecting the ongoing debates within the skating community about talent, pressure, and the standards that govern peak performance. The conversation around Valieva’s case continued to fuel discussions about investigations, athlete welfare, and the responsibilities of coaches and national programs in overseeing doping controls and athlete health across elite events.