Eteri Tutberidze, the coach linked to Kamila Valieva’s 2022 doping violation, has taken on a prominent role with international figure skaters at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. On February 8, teams conducted testing at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, where Tutberidze guided sessions for athletes including Nika Egadze of the Georgian national team.
Tutberidze’s Coaching Role in Milan
Tutberidze participated in high-intensity practice sessions ahead of key selections, such as those for Adeliia Petrosian. Officials note her involvement maximizes performance for the upcoming competitions. Italy and other nations have integrated her expertise into their Olympic preparations for the Milan-Cortina Games.
Revival of 2022 Beijing Doping Concerns
The appointment reignites questions from the Beijing Olympics, where Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned substance detected at 2.1 ng per ml—over 200 times the threshold in standard doping samples. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled the violation intentional, citing evidence from 56 samples in the 13-to-15 age group.
Despite widespread scrutiny, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) permitted Valieva’s participation during team events. Russia’s history as a doping hotspot, including past medal revocations, adds context to the case. Tutberidze’s team faced suspicions, but national authorities imposed no penalties on her or her staff.
Yuna Kim’s Firm Stance on Doping
Olympic champion Yuna Kim voiced strong opposition on social media. “Athletes who violate doping rules cannot compete,” she stated. “This principle allows no exceptions. The hard work and fears of innocent athletes deserve fair and public treatment.”
Kim emphasized punishing offenders openly to uphold the sport’s integrity. Her comments highlight ongoing debates as Tutberidze returns to the Olympic stage without a public apology for past events.
Olympic Oversight and Future Implications
The IOC previously overlooked disqualifications in similar scenarios, allowing coaches like Tutberidze to continue. Post-Beijing, she shifted focus but reemerged for Milan, competing under neutral status with athletes like Petrosian. Observers question whether current rules adequately address such histories, especially with young talents involved.
