Russian President Vladimir Putin Finally Stands Up for Controversial Olympian Kamila Valieva; Denies Dishonesty on Her Part During Beijing Games

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 featured some of the most incredible Olympians in their respective sports. Though one name that stood out prominently was the 15-year-old (now 16) Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva. Her involvement in the doping controversy became one of the most talked-about matters of this year’s Olympics. However, two months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin has something to say about the Russian athletes.

Kamila Valieva won a gold medal in the team event in Beijing. However, due to her involvement in the controversy, the medal ceremony for all the winners was postponed until the investigation is over. Going into the Olympics, she was the top favorite for individual gold, but the mental trauma from the doping scandal was too much to handle. Hence, she failed at her Olympic dream of an individual gold medal.

President Putin comes to rescue Kamila Valieva

There’s indeed no doubt that Kamila Valieva is incredibly gifted and talented. Apart from the doping controversy, she has showcased impressive skills on the ice. Keeping in mind the same, now Russian President Vladimir Putin stands beside the 16-year-old figure skater. As he presented Kamila with the state award, the Russian president said, “Through her work, she raised the sport to the level of true art.”

Extending his full support to the minor figure skater, he further added, “It is impossible to achieve that kind of perfection dishonestly, with the help of some kind of extra substances or manipulations.”

Kamila, who was immensely happy with the gesture and award, said, “It’s a big honor for me.” 

READ MORE- “No Need To Idealize”: Russian Figure Skater Kamila Valieva Makes a Grim Statement Months After Beijing Olympics Controversy

Lesson Kamila learned from figure skating

At a very young age, Kamila has gone through enough. Although the Beijing controversy was a great learning lesson for the 16-year-old, it was a terrible memory. Sharing her thoughts on how figure skating has changed her life, she said, “Never give up. Sport builds character, and also teaches you to feel beautiful on the ice and in life.”

Kamila is an incredible figure skater. Her skills on the ice are more than impressive. Given that she capitalizes on her strengths, her future is certainly as bright as the sun.

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