USSR honorary coach Tatyana Tarasova weighed in on the news that figure skater Kamila Valieva, who faced disqualification for an anti-doping rule violation, had recorded a joint song with Mia Boyka. Tarasova’s words emphasized leadership and resilience for the sport, with her message carried by Sports Express.
Tarasova commented, “I support Kamila. She is a talented young athlete who continues to push herself and search for new avenues. She has a distinctive voice, and many skaters have every right to share their perspectives. I am confident she will find success.”
The track is slated for release on April 26, 2024, the date Valieva reaches adulthood. Reports indicate the song will adopt a contemporary nursery rhyme vibe.
On January 29, the Court of Arbitration for Sport found Kamila Valieva guilty of doping and issued a four-year ban. She will be ineligible to compete in sanctioned events until December 2025.
On February 7, CAS released its reasoning. The Russian side contended that the prohibited substance entered Valieva’s system through dessert prepared by her grandfather. As a consequence, Valieva was stripped of gold medals at the Russian Championships, European Championships, and the Beijing Olympic Games [Citation: CAS ruling, 2024].
Tarasova has previously spoken on behalf of the leadership in men’s figure skating within Russia, noting her long-standing influence in the sport and her willingness to share measured opinions about the discipline’s future.