In the wake of a team spectacle, Kamila Valieva, the Olympic champion from Beijing, spoke about what she usually restricts herself from doing while preparing for major events and what she hopes to explore once the competitive season concludes. She described a desire for freedom after the grind of high-stakes training, expressing a wish to amble through familiar cities, accumulate miles on foot, and simply enjoy the act of moving for pleasure. Even as she contemplates a return to certain elements and perhaps a refresher on techniques that have faded, her overall outlook remains grounded in the joy of sport rather than the pressure of competition.
During the most recent weekend’s competition, Valieva delivered a polished performance that helped her secure a silver medal in the women’s singles event at the Russian Grand Prix final held in St. Petersburg. The podium was rounded out by Adelia Petrosyan taking gold and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva earning bronze. For the skaters, this event marked the last of the season’s formal competitions in Russia, with the focus shifting toward exhibitions and show programs as the winter schedule winds down.
Earlier in January, governing authorities announced a decision regarding Valieva’s status. The World Anti-Doping Agency disclosed that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency had informed it of a court decision acquitting the skater of violations of anti-doping rules. Nonetheless, the ruling did come with a consequence: the gold medal from the 2021 Russian Championship was stripped from her record. The outcome has been a point of discussion across the figure skating community, highlighting how rules, investigations, and penalties intersect with an athlete’s career and reputation.
Former Russian figure skater Alexander Enbert weighed in on the situation, reflecting on Valieva’s performance at the Russian Grand Prix final and what it might mean for the broader narrative of her skating journey. His perspective touched on the balance between public scrutiny and artistic expression, acknowledging the pressures that accompany elite competition while recognizing the resilience and skill that Valieva has demonstrated on the ice. As the sport looks ahead, questions persist about how champions navigate the demands of professional life, media attention, and personal growth in parallel with ongoing competitive commitments.