via Reuters
2022 Beijing Olympics – Figure Skating – Women Single Skating – Free Skating – Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing, China – February 17, 2022. Kamila Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts after competing with coaches Daniil Gleikhengauz and Eteri Tutberidze of the Russian Olympic Committee. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
via Reuters
2022 Beijing Olympics – Figure Skating – Women Single Skating – Free Skating – Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing, China – February 17, 2022. Kamila Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts after competing with coaches Daniil Gleikhengauz and Eteri Tutberidze of the Russian Olympic Committee. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Perhaps the most talked-about Olympian this year would be Kamila Valieva. The Russian figure skater who was deprived of her medal after testing positive for a doping test is actually one of the most talented figure skaters out there.
Valieva began her sports journey at the age of 3 years. Her mother recognized her talent and made sure she received all the exposure to develop her talents. However, the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 was somewhat of a nightmare for the 15-year-old.
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Post Olympics, Valieva has a different perspective about the big Games. She now reveals that athletes should not grow up idealizing the Olympics.
Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva opens up about the Olympic reality
At 15 years old, Kamila Valieva is already a world record holder. She set 9 world records as a young figure skater. In addition, she also holds the world records for the short program and nailed the first-ever quadruple jump at the Olympics.
All eyes were on this Russian figure skater at the Winter Olympics. But things soon turned sour for her after she tested positive for a banned substance. Soon, the entire Russian team was under scrutiny.
Post the Olympics, Valieva has a more mature take on the Olympics. “There is no need to idealize the Olympic Games. For an athlete, this is certainly a career goal, but not a lifetime goal,” said Valieva in an interview with People Talk.
via Reuters
2022 Beijing Olympics – Figure Skating – Women Single Skating – Short Program – Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing, China – February 15, 2022. Kamila Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts after competing. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina
Many athletes spend their entire lives working hard for that one chance at the Olympics. However, things don’t always go the way we want. And the same happened with Kamila. She now knows better. Moreover, at one point, everyone has to retire and look for new things to do.
“Sports life ends sooner or later, so the Games should be treated more calmly.”
The Olympics is definitely the biggest sporting event, but it does not define your entire career.
Valieva reveals the lesson she learned from figure skating
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At a young age, Valieva has already dedicated her life to the sport that is figure skating. And she has learned a lot from the sport itself.
“Never give up. Sport builds character, and also teaches you to feel beautiful on the ice and in life,” said Kamila.
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Her no quitting characteristic comes from the sport itself and she won’t let go so soon. A world record holder, Valieva will make a comeback sooner or later.
