“I’m a Victim Too”: Eteri Tutberidze’s Ice-Cold Response to Kamila Valieva’s Doping Case Sparks Outrage in the Figure Skating World

Figure skating is abuzz after a storm erupted following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision to suspend Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva. This was due to an anti-doping rule violation. However, the real tempest seems to be brewing. It’s in the aftermath of the response from Valieva’s coach. The coach is the esteemed Eteri Tutberidze. This has drawn sharp criticism from Yana Rudkovskaya, who is the co-owner of Plushenko’s Angels Academy and a prominent figure in the skating realm.

Tutberidze’s statement has ignited a firestorm in the figure skating world. Notably encapsulated in the phrase “I’m a victim too.” Yana Rudkovskaya, a key player in the industry, didn’t mince her words. She expressed her disbelief at what she perceived as a lack of accountability on Tutberidze’s part.

Eteri Tutberidze breaks silence on Kamila Valieva’s case

The International Skating Union recently announced the annulment of all athlete results from the date of sample collection. This triggered a comprehensive review of the 2022 Olympic team tournament. Consequently, the Russian team’s victory has been revoked. The American team now secures first place, followed by the Japanese in second, and the Russians receive the bronze. However, just a day ago, Tutberidze shared a post on Instagram. In it, she stated that over the past two years; she has maintained a deliberate silence on Kamila Valieva’s doping case. This was to deflect unwarranted criticism. Adhering to strict team directives against commentary to avoid prejudicing the ongoing investigation, she emphasizes her commitment to clean sports.

Expressing frustration at the lack of resolution in Kamila’s situation, she ardently desires a thorough probe into the substance’s origin. Despite the challenges, her unwavering support for Kamila remains steadfast. Questions persist about the hearings and whether anyone defended Kamila, but she will continue to stand by her, viewing Kamila’s story as a collective source of endurance in the pursuit of fair play.

However, upon seeing this, Yana Rudkovskaya remarked, ‘Every line oozes arrogance; every line is literally ‘I don’t have to explain anything to you, I’m a victim too.’ Seriously, Eteri Georgievna?‘ According to Yana, this attitude prompts reflection on who Tutberidze perceives as the victim in this situation—another skater, a distressed child whose dreams were shattered, or perhaps the parents who dedicated themselves to their child’s athletic pursuits. The ripple effect extends to the entire team, for whom this Olympic triumph may be a fleeting pinnacle in their careers.

Yana Rudkovskaya condemns the coach’s arrogance amidst tragedy

The coach’s reluctance to take responsibility for the tragic turn of events, shifting blame onto a young athlete facing personal turmoil, drew sharp criticism from Yana Rudkovskaya, highlighting the icy wall of arrogance surrounding the figure skating community.

Read More: Kamila Valieva Doping Case: US Star Nathan Chen Calls It ‘A Win for No One’

Additionally, Tatyana Tarasova, a respected figure skating coach, a few days back suggested that Tutberidze should have admitted guilt in the Valieva case to protect the child from responsibility, questioning the competence of the lawyers involved. This highlights a discord in the response to the controversy, with some calling for transparency and accountability.

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