Kamila Valieva

Kamila Valieva: A Prodigy’s Rise, Triumphs, and Trials

Early Life and Background

Kamila Valeryevna Valieva was born on April 26, 2006, in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Of Volga Tatar descent, she was raised by her mother, Alsu Valieva, who introduced her to various disciplines, including rhythmic gymnastics, ballet, and figure skating, from a young age. By the age of five, Kamila chose to focus solely on figure skating, captivated by the sport's blend of athleticism and artistry .

Skating Career and Achievements

Kamila began skating in 2009 and quickly progressed through the ranks. In 2018, she joined the renowned Sambo-70 club in Moscow, training under esteemed coaches Eteri Tutberidze, Sergei Dudakov, and Daniil Gleikhengauz .

Her junior career was marked by significant accomplishments:

• 2019–20 Junior Grand Prix Final Champion2020 World Junior Champion

Transitioning to the senior level, Kamila continued to impress:

• 2021 Skate Canada Champion

• 2021 Rostelecom Cup Champion

• 2022 European Champion

She set multiple world records, becoming the first female skater to surpass the 250-, 260-, and 270-point thresholds in total score within a single season .

Olympic Debut and Controversy

At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Kamila made history by becoming the first woman to land a quadruple jump in Olympic competition during the team event, contributing to the Russian Olympic Committee's gold medal performance .

However, her achievements were overshadowed by a doping controversy. A sample collected in December 2021 tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned substance. Despite the positive test, the Court of Arbitration for Sport allowed her to compete in the individual events, citing her status as a minor and the potential for irreparable harm .

In January 2024, the Court ruled that Kamila had committed an anti-doping rule violation, resulting in a four-year ban retroactive to December 25, 2021. All her results from that date, including the Olympic team gold and European Championship title, were disqualified .

Personal Life and Legacy

Kamila is known for her artistic expression on the ice, often drawing inspiration from various art forms. Her short program in the 2018–19 season was inspired by Pablo Picasso's painting "Girl on a Ball," which garnered international attention .

She has a pet Pomeranian named Lëva, gifted to her by fans in 2019 . Despite the challenges she has faced, Kamila remains a prominent figure in the world of figure skating, known for her technical prowess and artistic performances.