Coach Tutberidze said she had no doubts about the innocence of figure skater Kamila Valieva
Photo: Aleksandra Szmigiel / Reuters
Russian coach Eteri Tutberidze on the air of Channel One for the first time commented on allegations of doping by figure skater Kamila Valieva.
The specialist said that she had no doubts about the innocence of the athlete. She clarified that she did not understand why Valiyeva was allowed to the Olympic Games in Beijing if her doping test of December 25, 2021 was doubtful. Tutberidze considered that the situation could be a coincidence or a planned action.
“We did not abandon the athlete in any case, we are with our athletes in trouble and in joy, to the end. We are afraid of any statements, so as not to violate, not to harm. I don’t know who and what decides, but I hope justice will somehow prevail, ”added the coach.
On February 11, the International Testing Agency officially confirmed that Valieva's December 25 doping test tested positive for the banned trimetazidine. After that, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision to lift the temporary suspension from the 2022 Olympic Games Valieva. Her case is to be heard later on February 12.
Together with the Russian national team, Valieva won the team tournament of the 2022 Olympics. She must take part in the individual tournament, which starts on February 15th.
