Honorary Coach of the USSR Tatyana Tarasova questions whether Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva will be able to take part in an ice show scheduled in China. Tarasova shared this view with the publication Sports Express, expressing doubt about the likelihood of participation while sanctions remain in place.
Tarasova says she is optimistic about the news in general, yet she remains skeptical about a performance on foreign television or in international events while Valieva is under sanctions. The coach stresses that a return to televised appearances could be unlikely until the sanctions are lifted or modified.
Valieva has stated that she intends to take part in an ice show that is still under development in China, planned to coincide with the World Youth Festival on March 4. The skater also indicated that she would assume a leading role in this production.
In January 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled against Kamila Valieva, disqualifying her for violations of anti-doping rules. The four-year ban, retroactive to December 2021, also included the stripping of all titles and awards earned during that period, a decision that continued to shape the athlete’s public and professional trajectory.
On February 7, CAS published its reasoning behind the decision. The Russian side contended that Valieva had ingested the banned substance as a result of a dessert prepared by her grandfather, a claim that sparked wide discussion about accountability and the handling of doping allegations in junior sport.
Following the disqualification, the International Skating Union (ISU) assigned third place to the Russian team in the 2022 Olympic Games team event, without stripping Russia of the medal entirely. The gold medal went to the United States, with Japan earning the silver. This resolution kept Russia in the medal standings but highlighted ongoing tensions between national program support and international sporting governance.
Earlier, coach Eteri Tutberidze had commented publicly on Valieva’s difficulties, offering perspectives that reflected the broader discussions within Russian figure skating about training, youth development, and the consequences of high‑profile cases on the sport’s future. The broader context includes how sanctions, media attention, and coaching strategies interact to shape the career paths of young skaters facing intense scrutiny.
Valieva’s situation remains a focal point in discussions about ethics, responsibility, and fairness in competitive skating. Observers note that the implications of long-term bans extend beyond individual careers, affecting team dynamics, funding for junior programs, and public perception of the sport in both Russia and international arenas. As Valieva navigates this complex landscape, analysts watch closely for potential shifts in policy, athlete rehabilitation options, and opportunities for performance at events linked to youth festivals and international showcases.
In the coming months, stakeholders will likely assess how sanctions interact with opportunities for exposure in exhibitions and entertainment venues. The balance between maintaining strict anti‑doping enforcement and offering pathways for elite skaters to stay connected with fans is a continuing topic in sport governance discussions. The Chinese ice show and the World Youth Festival period could become a case study in how sanctions influence cross-border appearances and the marketability of top skaters at youth-focused events.