Kamila Valieva, the celebrated figure skater, appeared on Channel 1’s Dreamtallion program and announced that she would share a new journey alongside blogger Karina Cross. The duo plans to explore an itinerary that goes beyond the rink, offering a look into the personal growth and artistic evolution behind Valieva’s competition life. The project promises to capture not just the performance moments but the breathing space between routines, including conversations about discipline, resilience, and the unique pressures that come with elite sport. Through this collaboration, viewers will get a window into a remarkable athlete’s path, from public triumphs to private reflections, framed by Cross’s inquisitive style and Valieva’s candor.
Valieva emphasized that the project would go beyond folklore. She highlighted the rich tapestry of regional celebrations across Russia, noting that many people are unaware of the diverse holidays found in different corners of the country. The plan includes dance, music, and sports performances designed to showcase how traditions from various regions can converge. Valieva described a vision of unity across cultures, with performances that celebrate the vast, beautiful diversity of Russia. The message she conveyed was clear: the focus is not only on athletic achievement, but also on sharing the cultural richness that accompanies it, letting audiences experience the broader beauty of the nation.
In a separate development, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued a ruling on January 29, 2024 that found Valieva guilty of doping and imposed a disqualification. As a result, she was prohibited from competing in tournaments through December 2025 and barred from practicing at state skating facilities during the suspension. The decision underscored the ongoing complexity surrounding competitive fairness and athlete health, illustrating how governance bodies enforce rules that govern performance-enhancing substances and athlete conduct across national teams and international events.
On February 7, 2024, CAS published its reasoning in the Valieva case. The document revealed that, in addition to the banned substance trimetazidine, several substances considered permissible were also detected in the skater’s blood. The report noted the presence of more than 50 supplements, including compounds such as ecdysterone, hypoxene, and L-carnitine, which sparked discussion about the line between legal supplements and prohibited performance aids. The disclosure prompted broader conversations about supplement regulation, labeling accuracy, and the responsibilities that come with access to a wide array of products used by elite athletes.
The penalties extended beyond the initial sanctions, as Valieva was stripped of the gold medals earned in the Russian and European Championships in the team event, as well as the gold medal from the Beijing Olympic Games. These outcomes reflected the gravity of the violation in the eyes of the adjudicating bodies and the long-term impact on the athlete’s record and legacy. The consequences of the case reverberated through the sport, prompting teams, coaches, and fans to reexamine the balance between peak performance and clean competition in a high-stakes environment.
Valieva’s former coach spoke about the personal challenges he faced, revealing how he was bullied during childhood. The admission offered a human perspective on the pressures that accompany a career in skating, including the emotional toll that public scrutiny can exact. It underscored that even those at the pinnacle of success contend with difficult past experiences, and it highlighted the resilience required to move forward while navigating scrutiny, expectations, and the enduring quest for improvement on the ice.