Kamila Valieva, the renowned Russian figure skater, has spoken about continuing her career by pursuing what she loves most — skating that has defined her life. Her remarks were reported by RIA Novosti and have sparked discussions about her future in the sport.
Valieva reflected on an inner drive she feels, a possible core strength guiding her beyond the pressures and setbacks that athletes often face. She acknowledged a moment when she considered stepping away, yet emphasized that the love for her craft, along with steadfast support from coaches, family, and friends, played a crucial role in keeping her engaged. That network’s encouragement proved especially vital during challenging times when others might have turned away, reinforcing her resolve to stay the course.
At a recent championship, Valieva secured third place. In the free program, she experienced a stumble involving a quad sheepskin coat, an incident that underscored the physical and mental demands of elite competition. Another protégé of coach Eteri Tutberidze, Adelia Petrosyan, emerged victorious, while Sofia Muravyova, a pupil of Evgeni Plushenko, claimed second place. Following the short program, Valieva led the standings, narrowly ahead of Petrosyan by nearly three points. This sequence highlighted the tightly packed field and Valieva’s persistent competitiveness across segments of the event.
During the 2023/24 season, Valieva achieved a first-place finish at the Moscow leg of the Russian Grand Prix and later placed fourth at the Kazan stage. These results contributed to her reputation as a consistently formidable presence on the national circuit, illustrating both her resilience and maturation as a skater who remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Valieva had previously attained significant milestones, including becoming the European champion in 2022 and securing Olympic team gold at the Beijing Games that same year. Her career, however, has also been marked by controversy when reports emerged that a sample from the Beijing Olympics tested positive for a banned substance, prompting discussions about doping that extended beyond her personal story and touched on broader issues of competition integrity in the sport. The aftermath of these revelations prompted responses from officials, coaches, and national teams as they navigated the complex landscape of anti-doping rules and athlete accountability.
In other context surrounding the athlete, discussions have referenced Valieva’s association with the group Aigel and a loan used for the soundtrack of The Boy’s Word, illustrating how Valieva’s public image intersects with artistic and cultural collaborations beyond the rink. These elements contribute to a fuller understanding of her as a public figure whose career spans sport, media, and national identity, while emphasizing the diverse conversations that accompany a high-profile athlete’s life.