A prominent Russian figure skating coach, Eteri Tutberidze, spoke openly on social media about Kamila Valieva’s situation, describing her condition as a source of pain for many who cared about her wellbeing.
She emphasized that she hoped the case would be examined thoroughly, so any oversight, mistake, or accountability issue would be laid bare, leaving no remaining questions in the minds of those following the matter.
Tutberidze stated that she has no questions for Kamila herself, viewing the skater as a young athlete deserving continued support from all sides. Her central inquiry then turned to the verdict: whether Kamila had legitimate advocacy during the hearings, because the outcome appeared unsatisfactory from her perspective.
On January 29, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Kamila Valieva faced a four-year ban after a positive test for a prohibited substance, a decision that drew intense scrutiny and debate within the sport community.
Nevertheless, Valieva continued to compete at the Beijing Olympic Games, where she helped her team secure a gold medal in the team event. The next day, the International Skating Union (ISU) awarded the gold to the United States, while Japan received silver, placing Russia in third in the team standings.
Valieva’s disqualification also led to her missing the gold medal at the 2022 European Championship, a consequence that resonated across the sport and league conversations about fairness and the role of youthful athletes in elite competition.
Commentators and officials have weighed in on the broader implications of the case, with some calling the disqualification among the most controversial episodes in modern world sports. The dialogue continues as stakeholders examine how doping rules are enforced and how young athletes are supported through high-stakes investigations and career pressures, while ensuring due process and clarity for everyone involved.