Eteri Tutberidze: “The path to the Olympics shouldn’t be simple, because it has never been simple for anyone. There was only one athlete for whom the lead-up was smooth, but that didn’t lead to anything good.”

Eteri Tutberidze shared insights on the challenges on the road to Olympics

original source: OKKO / Championat

Tutberidze elaborated on the difficulties faced by her skaters in Olympic seasons, asserting that the journey should not be easy. Here’s a translation of her comments.

“The path to the Olympics shouldn’t be simple, because it has never been simple for anyone. There was only one athlete for whom the lead-up was smooth, but that didn’t lead to anything good.

For instance, Kamila Valieva’s season was easy – everything went as planned – but all other athletes have faced substantial challenges. Alina Zagitova endured injuries that left her legs battered, while Evgenia Medvedeva and Alexandra Trusova battled through broken bones on their way to the Olympics. Anna Shcherbakova suffered from coronavirus and pneumonia and endured a six-month fever of 39 degrees, barely able to walk.

It seems the difficulties are necessary. Perhaps struggle is the key to success.”

Tutberidze’s mention of Kamila Valieva also reflected on the fallout of Valieva’s doping controversy. In January 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) disqualified Valieva for four years due to violations of anti-doping regulations, starting retroactively from December 25, 2021. Valieva’s suspension prevents her from returning to competition until December 25, 2025. She can resume official training two months prior to the end of her ban.

Related topics: Eteri Tutberidze, Olympic Games