The 2024 Russian Championships featured a striking moment when free skate choreography by a student of Eteri Tutberidze, Kamila Valieva, to the music from The Boy’s Word drew praise from Alexander Kogan, the General Director of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR). He described the performance as showcasing the skater’s unmistakable edge and talent, noting that the true highlight lay on the ice rather than the accompanying music. His assessment, relayed by RIA News, underscored Valieva’s distinctiveness as a skater who continually draws attention for her on-ice execution and artistic interpretation. In the end, the sound track and the on-ice program were celebrated as a combined achievement rather than simply a musical choice.
According to Kogan, his focus remains squarely on the ice and the elements of the program rather than the soundtrack alone. He remarked that Valieva’s performances captivate audiences and judges alike because of how she embodies the routine, how she translates music into movement, and how she maintains a high level of consistency that marks her out as a standout talent. In his view, the success of a program hinges on the execution and the storytelling on the ice, not merely on what is heard in the arena. This perspective reflects a broader emphasis in Russian figure skating on technical precision paired with expressive interpretation.
The competition also highlighted Valieva’s broader repertoire, including her rendition of Pyala, a song performed by the Aigel group in the Tatar language, which showcases the skater’s willingness to engage with regional culture through her performances. This integration of language, music, and movement contributes to the distinctive identity Valieva brings to the sport, offering audiences a multi-layered artistic experience.
At the end of the championship, Valieva placed third overall. The free program saw a dramatic moment when Valieva stumbled during a quad attempt, briefly interrupting the flow of her routine. Another student of Tutberidze, Adelia Petrosyan, emerged with a strong performance to secure the tournament title. Sofia Muravyova, a student of Evgeni Plushenko, finished in second place, with Valieva leading after the short program by almost three points ahead of Petrosyan. The results reflect both the depth of talent in the Tutberidze-trained group and the ongoing competition among Russia’s top young skaters.
During the 2023/24 season, Valieva had notable showings, including a first-place finish at the Russian Grand Prix stage in Moscow and a fourth-place finish at the Kazan stage. These results illustrate her ability to perform consistently across different venues and formats, reinforcing her status as a leading figure in the domestic circuit and a figure to watch on the world stage. The season’s results are part of a broader narrative about her development and the strategic approach of her coaching team, highlighting the interplay between technical difficulty, program components, and artistic interpretation that characterizes elite ladies’ skating in Russia.
Valieva’s emergence as a top contender was soon accompanied by controversy after she contributed to the team’s victory at the Beijing Olympics. A later doping episode related to trimetazidine led to widespread discussion and scrutiny. Despite the initial concerns, Valieva was permitted to compete in the individual event and finished in fourth place, a result that sparked a broader dialogue about eligibility rules, testing protocols, and safeguarding integrity in high-profile competitions. The case prompted renewed attention to the processes that govern international sport and the protections for all athletes involved, while keeping the focus on the performances and the seasons that followed.
In parallel with the competitive narrative, the case was examined by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Proceedings began with a hearing in September, and, as the calendar advanced, the panel prepared additional documentation. The timetable indicated that a formal opinion would be issued within a clarified window set by CAS, reflecting the organization’s methodical approach to complex anti-doping matters. This ongoing legal process added a layer of context to Valieva’s competitive status and the perceptions surrounding her career during that period.
Historically, Valieva has benefited from the support of her training groups and collaborations, including praise from the Aigel ensemble for their contributions to her program soundtracks. These collaborations illustrate the broader ecosystem of music, culture, and choreography that feeds into the sport and helps shape the narratives around skaters who balance artistry with athleticism.