The presence of Eteri Tutberidze, former coach of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, at the Winter Olympics has sparked renewed controversy. Now representing Georgia as the coach of reigning European champion Nika Egadze, Tutberidze’s appearance has drawn critical attention from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Bańka.
Speaking at a news conference in Milan, Bańka expressed his discomfort with Tutberidze’s participation. He clarified that her involvement was not a decision made by WADA, stating, “The investigation found no evidence that this person engaged in this doping, so there is no legal basis to exclude her.” Despite this, he admitted, “Of course, if you are asking me personally about my feelings, I don’t feel comfortable with her presence here in the Olympic Games.”
Tutberidze’s return to the Olympic stage highlights the complications surrounding Valieva’s doping case from the 2022 Beijing Games. The then-15-year-old skater tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, resulting in Russia losing its team gold medal and the United States being awarded first place in the figure skating competition. As of now, Tutberidze has not faced any sanctions nor has she been held responsible for the doping incident.
WADA officials maintain a strong stance against doping, particularly concerning minors. James Fitzgerald, a WADA official, emphasized the severity of doping cases involving young athletes. “The doping of minors is unforgivable. Doctors, coaches or other support personnel who are found to have provided PEDs to minors should face the full force of the World Anti-Doping Code,” Fitzgerald stated in remarks to The Athletic.
The agency has taken steps to advocate for legislative changes, pushing for laws that would classify doping minors as a criminal offense. Fitzgerald elaborated on WADA’s approach to the investigation of Valieva’s support team, noting that geopolitical restrictions had hindered investigators’ access to Russia. Consequently, WADA had to supervise an investigation carried out by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).
“There was not enough evidence against any member of the entourage to warrant an anti-doping rule violation being asserted,” Fitzgerald explained. He added that while Valieva faced the consequences alone, it is unlikely a 15-year-old would engage in doping without assistance from adults.
Valieva’s ban expired in December 2022, and she returned to competitive skating last month, but she is not participating in the ongoing Milan Cortina Games. A request for comment from the Georgian Figure Skating Association has not yet received a response.
In 2024, WADA’s Intelligence and Investigations Department released a report titled “Operation Refuge,” which examined doping among young athletes. Fitzgerald remarked that the investigation revealed the deep psychological trauma experienced by minors who test positive for prohibited substances. “The immense challenges faced by them and their families,” he noted, are profound.
Following the findings of this study, the revised anti-doping code and standards, approved in December 2025, reinforce the anti-doping community’s commitment to protecting minors. The updated regulations place a greater emphasis on safeguarding athletes’ rights, especially those who are underage.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Tutberidze and Valieva underscores the persistent complexities of doping in sports, particularly regarding the responsibilities of coaches and support personnel in the lives of young athletes.
