Valieva Receiving an Award in a Blue Suit and Smiling for the First Time in a Long Time

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva (ROC), nicknamed “Despair.” She competed in the Beijing Olympics as the most likely candidate for the gold medal, but was rocked by the doping problem and finished 4th in the competition.

Doping is an unacceptable act at the Olympics. While the accusations were justified, there was also debate as to how much responsibility the 15-year-old Valieva had for her decision. Many fans must have had mixed feelings about Valieva, who missed out on a medal even though she was allowed to compete, and who was left with a look of disappointment on her face.

In the midst of all this, Valieva announced on her Instagram account that she had received the “Order of Friendship” in her hometown.

She said, “It was very precious for me to receive the Order of Friendship in Kazan, where I was born and started skating. Thank you for always supporting me, for your kind words and for wishing me success!”

Valieva has been shown with President Rustam Minnikhanov of the Republic of Tatarstan, among other photos. She is wearing a beautiful blue pantsuit, with a medal shining on her chest. Valieva smile was so natural that it soothed the hearts of many fans.

Valieva was born on April 26, 2006 in Kazan, Russia.After winning the 2019 Junior Grand Prix Final and the 2020 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, Valieva entered the senior ranks in the 2021/2022 season. She suddenly won back-to-back Skate Canada and Russian Cups, both with the highest scores in the world.

At the Russian Championships, she won for the first time, breaking her own world record, though not recognized by the International Skating Union (ISU). She also won the European Championships in January this year. The Beijing Olympics was a time when Russia had no more enemies on the way.

Russia is now attracting criticism from all over the world. Under such circumstances, Russian athletes are also being barred from various competitions. It is true that political use of sports should be criticized. However, it is debatable to what extent sanctions should be given to athletes who are genuinely engaged in sports. We can only hope that the world will return to a peaceful one where we don’t have to think about such things.