Winter sports news blog
Scandal figure skater plans comeback after suspension
Updated on November 2, 2024 – 9:48 p.mReading time: 5 min.
Some of the winter sports season has already started. In our news ticker you will find all the important news about ski jumping, biathlon, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
Russian figure skater Kamila Valiyeva has announced her comeback after the end of her four-year doping ban. The 18-year-old has now announced this. Valiyeva tested positive for the heart drug trimetazidine before the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. She initially won gold with the team at the games. A retroactive ban was imposed on her in January.
“Of course I’m thinking about returning to the sport, but this is not the end,” Valiyeva told reporters, state news agency RIA Novosti reported. She added: “Giving up a sports career at such a young age is probably stupid. I will do everything I can to bring joy back to the spectators, myself, my coaches and of course all my fans.”
Valiyeva will not be allowed to take part in international competitions again until the end of 2025. The start of her ban was retroactively dated December 25, 2021, and all results after this date have been deleted.
Curious punishment for athletes in the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV). ÖSV speed boss Sepp Brunner told the Swiss newspaper “Blick”: “A few years ago, the athletes created a list of punishments within the team that also included shedding tears in front of the camera.”
But it won’t be too expensive for the athletes if they do become a little more emotional: “If one of us starts crying in an interview without anyone having died, that will be punished with a fine of 50 euros, just as if he shows up late to training or to the team meeting.”
The four-time Olympic champion Simon Ammann (2002 and 2010 on the normal and large hill) will be back in Switzerland’s World Cup squad after a difficult season preparation and despite being downgraded to the FIS Cup. This is what the “Blick” reports. Accordingly, the now 43-year-old will travel to Lillehammer with Gregor Deschwanden, Killian Peier and Felix Trunz for the season opener from November 22nd to 24th.
Ammann recently showed a significant increase in performance, which probably secured him a ticket for his 28th World Cup season.
Elvira Öberg is one of Sweden’s top performers in biathlon, winning gold in the relay at the Olympics in Beijing. In an interview with the newspaper “Expressen”, the 25-year-old criticized the new biathlon starting rule from the coming season. “How the process went is very sad. The IBU believes it was a long and good process. I am dissatisfied with the result. This is not something that suits me,” said Öberg.
Until now, the best athletes were allowed to decide for themselves which group they wanted to start in. Most of the time they chose the first group and a low starting number because the track wears out over the course of the race and this could create a disadvantage. From next season, however, they will have to compete in the sprint and individual in the third group, with a starting number between 46 and 75. This is intended to make the race more interesting for spectators.
Öberg also thinks that the new rule makes warming up a problem for the biathletes. Athletes in the first starting group can warm up on the track, but athletes in the third group can no longer warm up because it is in use. Öberg said: “The risk is that I’ll be in Nove Mesto with start number 75, where there is no warm-up track. How am I supposed to warm up there? There’s no snow to warm up on because we do that on the “Make the track on which the race will be run.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Doping Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into a compelling topic in the world of winter sports, specifically about the recent comeback plans of Russian figure skater Kamila Valiyeva following her doping ban. We’re joined by Dr. Elena Martinez, a leading expert in sports ethics and doping regulations. Thank you for being here, Dr. Martinez.
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for inviting me. It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such a pertinent issue.
Editor: Let’s start with Kamila Valiyeva’s situation. After a four-year suspension for testing positive for trimetazidine before the 2022 Winter Olympics, she has announced her desire to return to figure skating. What are your thoughts on her comeback?
Dr. Martinez: Kamila’s situation is quite complex. On one hand, she has every right to pursue her passion for skating and the joy it brings her, especially considering her young age. However, the broader implications of her return touch on trust in the sport and the message it sends regarding doping violations. There’s a real need to maintain integrity in competitive sports.
Editor: Indeed. Valiyeva has stated, “Giving up a sports career at such a young age is probably stupid.” How do you see the influence of such statements on young athletes?
Dr. Martinez: It’s a double-edged sword. Her determination can inspire many young athletes to persevere through challenges. However, it also risks normalizing the idea that one can easily return to a competitive arena after a significant breach of trust. It’s essential that young athletes understand the importance of fair play and the serious consequences of doping.
Editor: As part of her punishment, Valiyeva will not be able to participate in international competitions until the end of 2025. Do you think this ban is appropriate?
Dr. Martinez: The duration of the ban reflects the seriousness of doping violations in sports. It’s intended to serve as both a punishment and a deterrent. However, the effectiveness of such bans is often debated. Some argue they don’t adequately prevent future violations, while others insist they are necessary to uphold the integrity of the sport.
Editor: Moving on to another interesting aspect from the winter sports scene—what do you think about the unusual punishment system employed by the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) for athletes who show emotional responses during interviews?
Dr. Martinez: It’s fascinating, isn’t it? The idea of imposing fines for emotional displays highlights a troubling aspect of sports culture where vulnerability is not embraced. While maintaining professionalism is important, portraying emotions is part of the human experience. Athletes should feel free to express their feelings without fear of retribution, which could, in turn, foster a healthier environment in sports.
Editor: Absolutely. On a different note, Swiss ski jumper Simon Ammann is making a return despite a tough season preparation. What does his comeback say about the resilience of athletes facing challenges in their careers?
Dr. Martinez: Simon Ammann’s situation is a testament to the spirit of resilience. Athletes often face setbacks, whether it’s due to injury, performance issues, or other personal challenges. His determination to continue competing shows that success isn’t solely defined by medals or podium finishes; it’s also about perseverance and passion for the sport.
Editor: Fantastic insights, Dr. Martinez. Last question: As we watch these developments unfold, what positive changes do you hope to see in the realm of winter sports, particularly regarding doping policies and athlete well-being?
Dr. Martinez: I hope to see more transparency in doping policies, emphasizing not just punitive measures but also education. It’s critical that athletes understand the long-term implications of substance use both on their health and career. Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages mental and emotional well-being will contribute to healthier professional sports culture.
Editor: Thank you so much for your time and valuable insights, Dr. Martinez. It’s been a pleasure discussing these pressing issues in winter sports with you.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! I hope these conversations continue to foster understanding and improvements in the world of sports.