“Only the coach could give the medicine”
The case surrounding Kamila Valieva, the Russian figure skater, has drawn intense scrutiny after the Lausanne Court of Arbitration for Sport issued a four-year disqualification for doping on January 29. The decision became a focal point in discussions about responsibility and athlete protection at the highest levels of sport in North America and beyond.
An influential figure in the sport, Tatyana Tarasova, commented on the case, asserting that a medication of this kind could only be provided by a coach, not a doctor. Tarasova spoke on the Russian TV program Life and Destiny, describing the incident in direct terms. This perspective sparked widespread debate about how young athletes access performance-enhancing substances and who bears responsibility for safeguarding them.
Investigations tied to the Russian Championship held at the end of 2021 revealed a positive test for trimetazidine, a banned substance. The CAS ruling also disclosed the presence of another drug, an anabolic steroid not currently listed on the prohibited list but under consideration by global anti-doping authorities, prompting consideration of evolving rules and tests in the sport. Documents indicated that Valieva had taken multiple medications in the period leading up to the test, underscoring concerns about medical oversight and athlete safety.
After the CAS ruling, questions were raised about accountability within a high-performance coaching group. Valieva’s trainer, Eteri Tutberidze, emphasized that she did not directly supervise all medical agents used by her athletes and suggested that responsibility for any banned substances lay elsewhere. The CAS decision set the start date of the suspension at the moment the drug was detected, December 25, 2021, while the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) advised counting the period from the formal decision. As a consequence, Valieva’s competitive results were annulled, including national and European titles and the 2022 Olympic team gold, altering the final standings for the Russian team and shaping the narrative around the sport in the lead-up to the Beijing Games. The impact extended beyond Valieva, affecting the team’s overall ranking and prize outcomes.
Not in the national team, but in the test pool
Following the CAS decision on March 7, Valieva was withdrawn from the Russian national figure skating team. She remains prohibited from competing or even skating in demonstrations or training events for the duration of the suspension. At the same time, the 17-year-old skater continues to participate in out-of-competition testing as part of the doping control program under ISU oversight, ensuring ongoing integrity in the sport as athletes return to competition.
Ria Novosti quoted WADA officials stating that during a suspension period, the athlete must submit to testing by any anti-doping organization with jurisdiction in the area. This requirement is part of maintaining the credibility of the testing system when athletes resume competition and preparing for a potential future return. (citation: WADA)
Legal observers offered differing views on the implications of the disqualification. A noted sports lawyer explained that a ban does not automatically erase all past circumstances; it remains essential to comply with anti-doping rules, and ongoing testing often continues for athletes who are temporarily withdrawn. With two years remaining on the ban, continued testing could be a strategic choice by anti-doping authorities, depending on the path the athlete takes in her career. (citation: ISU, WADA)
uncertain future
The path for an athlete to exit the testing pool usually involves retirement from sport, but Valieva has not indicated such a step. Observers emphasized that talent remains undeniable and that a return is possible if personal and professional circumstances align. Tarasova commented that a comeback could be envisioned if the athlete can navigate life choices successfully.
Outside Russia, opinions about Valieva vary. Some analysts and coaches acknowledge the difficult position she faced and stress that adults in her camp bear significant responsibility. A prominent Canadian coach highlighted the responsibility of those around a young athlete and pointed out the strict Canadian approach to medication and prohibited substances. The incident has prompted broader conversations about safeguarding minors in high-performance environments. Valieva was seen at major events in recent months, including the opening ceremony of a large athletic gathering in Kazan and a subsequent performance showcase. Her presence at these events was noted by observers as a reflection of the ongoing public interest in her career and the sport overall.
As discussions continue about the appropriate steps for her future, the case remains a touchstone for how anti-doping rules intersect with youth sports, media attention, and national pride in both Canada and the United States. Observers stress that transparency, rigorous medical oversight, and consistent enforcement of anti-doping policies are essential to preserve fairness and safety for all athletes. The broader sporting community watches closely, weighing the consequences for athletes, teams, and coaching staff as the rules evolve and new testing technologies emerge.