Veteran coach Tatyana Tarasova, honored for her work with the USSR, has weighed in again on the Kamila Valieva doping controversy, asserting the skater’s innocence. The remarks were carried by a Russian news agency as the story continues to unfold.
Tarasova emphasized that the Valieva investigation needs to be finished, describing it as a matter of national significance. She argued that the entire situation has taken a toll on the young athlete and that Valieva did not use banned substances. According to her view, the issue arose from an unfortunate incident that must be clarified with proper conclusions and accountability for all involved, with the goal of restoring Valieva’s reputation. The assertion of innocence is presented as the central point in her commentary, attributed to Tarasova through the reporting outlet.
On January 29, CAS announced a four-year ban for Valieva, retroactive to December 2021. This sanction has been a turning point in how the sport balances appeal, doping controls, and athlete protection, according to the coverage provided by the same outlet.
During the 2022 Winter Games, Valieva was part of the Russian national team and helped secure first place in the team event, while finishing fourth in the individual event. Following the disqualification, the International Skating Union adjusted medals, recognizing Russia with bronze in the team event, while gold went to the United States and silver to Japan. The developments sparked ongoing debates about the measures, timelines, and perspectives on the rules that govern Olympic competition, all noted in the contemporary reporting.
At the Russian Championships 2022, student coach Eteri Tutberidze faced disappointment as the team did not clinch the gold medal, a result that also affected the European Championships 2022 where a positive drug test was reported. The outcomes raised questions about the pipeline of talent and the performance program surrounding Valieva and her coaches, with observers weighing the implications for national teams and upcoming events.
Earlier, choreographer Daniil Gleikhengauz spoke to the ongoing debate, stating that Tutberidze’s coaching headquarters did not employ doping. The comments were presented as part of the broader discussion around fair play, athlete wellness, and the integrity of the sport, as reported at the time by the same source.