Olympic silver medalist Alexandra Trusova is stepping into a central role for Eteri Tutberidze’s touring show, Champions on Ice, taking the place previously announced for Kamila Valieva. The update comes directly from the team’s communications channel and confirms that Trusova will participate in the full tour, skating in every city listed on the itinerary. The decision marks a notable shift for the program, which has long featured Tutberidze’s top-ranked skaters in a format that blends exhibition performances with technical showcases and audience engagement.
According to the team message, Trusova remains a longtime member of Tutberidze’s squad. The athlete had been unable to join last year’s tour because the demands of a packed competition schedule and the show dates did not align. This season, the schedules have aligned more harmoniously, allowing for a smooth integration of Trusova into the lineup. Fans can expect her to bring her signature speed, precision, and competitive edge to the exhibition series, complementing the troupe’s dynamic style and choreography.
Champions on Ice is planned for the spring, and the format is designed to showcase the artistry and athleticism of elite figure skaters through a series of performances that blend competitive elements with touring spectacle. The tour serves as a platform for skaters to connect with fans in a more informal setting while continuing to demonstrate the skills they’ve developed on the world stage. The present announcement confirms that Alexandra Trusova will be part of these performances, replacing the previously announced participant in the event’s spring run.
In a separate and highly consequential development, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on January 29 in a case involving Kamila Valieva. The CAS decision found Valieva to have violated anti-doping regulations and imposed a suspension that prevents her from competing in any events through December 2025. The ruling has implications for the athlete’s competitive calendar and for events that had anticipated her participation during the period of the disqualification.
Later, on February 7, CAS released its reasoning behind the decision. The Russian side contended that the detected substance likely entered Valieva’s system through consumption of a dessert prepared by her grandfather, a claim that has been discussed extensively in public forums and sports governance discussions. As a result of the ruling, Valieva also forfeited gold medals she had earned at the Russian Championships, the European Championships, and the Olympic Games held in Beijing. The decision has cascading effects not only on Valieva’s career trajectory but also on the broader narrative of how doping controls are applied in major international competitions.
The broader conversation surrounding Valieva’s case has touched on several themes that extend beyond the courtroom. These include the integrity of youth sport, the responsibilities of coaches and national federations, and the processes through which international bodies evaluate evidence and apply sanctions. For fans and observers, the situation underscores the ongoing debate about how bright lines in anti-doping rules intersect with the realities of competing at the highest levels and how athletes navigate the sometimes murky waters of sporting governance. As the sport continues to evolve, events like Champions on Ice and the decisions of CAS remain focal points for discussions about fairness, accountability, and the future paths open to skaters who aspire to compete on the world stage. Attribution: Court of Arbitration for Sport, official statements and published reasons