Kamila Valieva, the prominent figure skater, has ended up without the presidential scholarship she previously received. This update came through reports relayed by TASS, referencing the Russian Ministry of Sports’ press service. The move marks a formal consequence of the athlete’s disqualification, which affects her eligibility and standing within Russia’s national skating program.
In a public statement from the Russian Ministry of Sports’ press service, it was explained that the President of the Russian Federation has ceased funding Valieva’s scholarship due to her disqualification. The decision translates into an official removal from the roster of candidates for the national figure skating team, signaling a restructuring of support in light of current disciplinary actions.
The legal process that led to these outcomes culminated on January 29 when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled Valieva guilty of doping violations. As a result, she is barred from competing in official events until December 2025 and prohibited from training at state-supported skating facilities during that period. This ruling effectively limits her participation in major competitions and inhibits access to certain training resources tied to state programs.
On February 7, CAS published a rationale for its decision. The document notes that, in addition to the banned substance trimetazidine, three permitted substances—ecdysterone, hypoxene, and L-carnitine—were detectable in Valieva’s blood samples. According to the CAS report, the Russian skater reportedly used nearly 60 medications and supplements between 2020 and 2021, a detail that underscored the complexity of factors considered in the case and fueled ongoing discussions about anti-doping controls and athlete welfare.
This sequence of events also affected Valieva’s competitive legacy. She lost the gold medal from the 2022 European Championships and the team event at the Beijing Olympic Games, where other skaters in the team competition received bronze medals. The disqualification, alongside the broader penalties, has therefore reshaped her record and public narrative within the sport, creating a renewed focus on governance, oversight, and the role of medical and coaching staff in safeguarding athletes’ compliance with anti-doping rules.
Observers have continued to monitor how the legal and regulatory processes unfold, including how appeals and further clarifications may influence Valieva’s career trajectory. As discussions progress, the interplay between national programs, international bodies, and athlete autonomy remains a central topic in the conversation about fair competition and the integrity of sport.
Beyond the direct consequences for Valieva, the case has prompted broader attention to testing procedures, the handling of banned substances, and the transparency of rationales issued by CAS. Experts note that the findings—such as the presence of permitted substances alongside banned ones—highlight the necessity for clear guidelines on substance classification and the interpretation of complex biological results. In this context, stakeholders emphasize the importance of consistent enforcement, athlete education, and robust medical oversight to prevent future incidents while supporting athletes in navigating high-pressure competitive environments.