Valieva’s Kazan showing and the road to the Russian Championship
Alexander Enbert, a noted figure in skating circles who has earned World and European crowns and a silver in the team event at the 2018 Olympic Games, spoke after Kamila Valieva finished fourth at the Russian Grand Prix in Kazan. His assessment focused on what Valieva will need to bring to the upcoming Russian Championship to contend with the field and add new elements to her program.
Enbert noted that Valieva’s free program did not reach peak execution in Kazan. Yet he suggested that with targeted tweaks to her technique and program execution, she could sharpen the very edge that defines a championship performance. He observed that the overall presentation had beauty and engagement, and he emphasized that adding a touch more lightness could make the difference when the national title is on the line. In his view, these refinements could elevate her competitive profile in the Russian Championship, making the field hard to beat for a skater of her caliber.
Valieva finished Kazan with a total score that did not place her in the top three. The numbers reflected a combination of elements that can be improved in practice sessions and program polish that many skaters seek during the lead-up to major national events. Her total in Kazan stood at 213.59 points, a figure that signals room for improvement as she prepares for forthcoming assignments and the internal test of national pride that the Russian Championship represents for this generation of skaters.
In Kazan, Sofia Muravyova dominated, collecting 228.81 points across both programs to take the stage win. Alina Gorbachova followed with 219.02 points, and Daria Sadkova rounded out the podium with 214.54 points. The spread among the top performers underscored the quality depth in the current field and the ongoing evolution of young skaters who are hungry for national recognition and future international opportunities.
Valieva’s career has already seen extraordinary highs and intense scrutiny. After her team gold at the Beijing Olympics, controversy arose surrounding doping tests that detected traces of trimetazidine. Despite the ongoing legal and procedural processes, she was cleared to compete in the individual events where she finished in fourth place. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) held hearings in the case during September and November, with a final decision anticipated for publication in early 2024. This sequence of events highlighted the pressures faced by elite athletes who combine peak performance with immense public attention and the responsibilities that come with leading a sport forward on the world stage.
Observers note that past champions and seasoned mentors, including Alina Zagitova, have continued to weigh in on Valieva’s journey. Zagitova’s past commentary and perspective have provided context for how the skating community assesses a skater who blends exceptional technical ability with evolving artistry. The Kazan results, viewed in this light, become part of a broader narrative about growth, resilience, and the pursuit of consistency on the road to a national title and beyond.
Overall, the Kazan event illustrated both the strengths and the areas where Valieva can grow. The Russian Championship stands as a pivotal milestone where her program choices, execution under pressure, and ability to translate artistry into high technical scores will be tested against a field that continues to mature. The season’s trajectory suggests that improved technique, refined presentation, and a calmer competitive mindset could position her as a formidable contender for national glory and a strong representative on the international stage. Fans and analysts will likely watch eagerly as she and her coaching team chart a path toward peak performance at the right moment, balancing aspiration with the practical steps required to maintain top status in a demanding sport.
Note: The information reflects competition results, ongoing discussions among skating professionals, and the public record of CAS proceedings related to the period surrounding the Beijing Games and subsequent events. It remains a dynamic narrative as the sport’s calendar unfolds and new performances emerge on the ice.