Figure Skating Gold Medalist On Russian Skating Coach: ‘It Was Just Alarming’

[@loquaciouslyloud6444]

Trusova wasn’t just having a ‘temper tantrum’. She has been starved, separated from her family, worked to injury, and pitted against her teammates to the point of animosity. She was believed to take home the gold and knows that with Eteri’s dangerous techniques she won’t ever be able to compete in the Olympics again due to her age at only 17. The 3A have admitted to daily weigh-ins and not being allowed to DRINK WATER on competition days due to the added weight. It’s no wonder she snapped under the pressure of failing what she sees as her only chance. Poor sportsmanship, absolutely. But it is expected! I would do the same!

[@Morpheen999]

And if they straight up banned them, it would stop because they wouldn't be able to compete till they got their act together

[@allisoneuph1]

She had an emotional breakdown after years of abuse!!

[@hajarmdn4883]

@@Morpheen999 they should ban anyone under 18. Because that way coaches wouldn't use their small frames to win competitions and will have to actually train them to have a longer career with a woman's body.

[@MinaF99]

Say it louder for the people in the back!!

[@CarolanIvey]

I agree with you. We have to remember these are not women, they are GIRLS. They are children who are treated like machines expected to perform like machines. Like machines, they are thrown out when they break, to be replaced by the next shiny new GIRL in the pipeline. Of COURSE they know this their only shot, and when they fail, OF COURSE they melt down. Because they are GIRLS without the maturity to handle it.

[@christineschulze1782]

I have admired Scott Hamilton since I was a kid. He's such a generous man and shows the empathy and kindness this young girl needed and should have had. Very wise words from him on this, I hope someone with the right connections heard them.

[@jenifersmith3603]

Amen to what you said!

[@josephine3839]

I totally agree w/Scott. ‘Everything is at risk!’ It’s DISTURBING, DISGRACEFUL and should B CONDEMNED. PERIOD. I was so touched when I first saw her performance…tears of joy for her…then the news🤯👎🏻😱🙌🏻Completely Tainted.

[@user-po1mj3fi5d]

When Kamila arrived back home, 1000s upon 1000s cheered her and showered her with flowers. She is much stronger that you think. She has more support than the propaganda here is demonstrating. I am hoping that this testing lab will be found to be corrupt and that she will be exonerated. I watched her 5 years ago, she did not need doping then and she does not need it now. She is better than all the rest.

[@christines2787]

@@user-po1mj3fi5d - very glad she received a warm welcome home. She deserves it. Just getting to the Olympics is an achievement. She's very young and she's in a tough situation. I hope it all works out well for her.

[@user-po1mj3fi5d]

@@christines2787 me too ,.... very much!

[@xmerderx]

I feel for Alexandra Trusova as well as Kamila. They call it a temper tantrum, but what I saw was a teenager realizing that her lifelong dream of an Olympic gold medal will never happen for her, given the fact that Eteri’s skaters tend to have such short careers, and that must have been just devastating.

[@cicerasilva2226]

More than that, they promised her that if she did 5 quads she would get the gold medal then she did but it didn't happen. She was the one who started all the quad revolution so I can imagine how frustrated she is after all this.

[@skaterboy-cz9wj]

@@cicerasilva2226 Well I guess they weren't perfect quads. This is all messed up(

[@TheCandiceWang]

Agreed

[@gingernightmare9152]

@@cicerasilva2226 She landed 4 of the 5 and was on a lower placement after the short program.. hence the silver.

[@scottabroughton]

There is so much wrong with this description.

[@flavinhaluiz4147]

I feel so sorry for the three girls! Trusova was having a mental breakdown, she wasn’t just being spoiled! I don’t think we can begin to understand what these girls have endured...

[@Truffle_Young_Jr]

Yes, the western media were very abusive to them.

[@letitiakearney2423]

@@Truffle_Young_Jr Yes it was hard to watch but it shone the spotlight on what these young athletes are having to deal with so maybe it was a good thing and will help change this culture these Russian children and how they are being treated. It changed gymnastics when people found out how their young kids where being mentally and physically abused.

[@jeannetteespinoza1103]

Yes, my heart was literally broken watching. It was so hard, I just hope they all get away from that entourage. They are all so amazingly talented, they need to be surrounded by people who care about them, not just how they skate.

[@totesgene]

She was being a poor sport and a sore loser. Pure and simple.

[@Chromedbustop]

@@totesgene Not if she was misled. It's hard to believe that Tutberidze had to best interest of her skaters at heart. She probably just wanted to be known for being the coach to sweep the podium and probably didn't care in which order the skaters finished.

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

If this is how this coach is when she knows others are watching and recording. Can you imagine what she is like when she knows no one is watching or listening to her.

[@ingai7014]

And what’s wrong with what she said?!I would say the same ,you never give up !Russian coaches don’t pamper athletes

[@lindatannock]

@@ingai7014 it's not about pampering them, it's about human compassion! She's a mother, for goodness sake. Hug the child when she's breaking her heart and crying! Who does that??

[@debrahead1255]

@@ingai7014 It is called being a decent human being to a little girl that was emotionally upset. I understand pushing them to be their best but being heartless, cruel and cold to a fifteen year old LITTLE GIRL is another thing entirely.

[@ingai7014]

@@debrahead1255 she is a professional coach ,this is sport ,you don’t pamper or try to tell something to please clueless people like you ,you say exactly what she said :why did you give up?!Everything else is irrelevant,enough with this “little girl” tales ,those are home on a couch watching with pop corn ,at 15 age they are already “old” in gymnastics,ballet or figure skating

[@christinemeleg4535]

@@ingai7014 If you condone the ridiculous way the "coach" behaved you are condoning abuse. then when you see yourself in the mirror, say, "I am a worthless abuser". Since you say "never give up" never stop saying abuser abuser worthless worthless...

[@litehold1144]

Doping Valieva is abuse in the first place, so why is anyone surprised at how abusive her coach was when she had difficulties?

[@rgwak]

exactly

[@bethm5791]

Lmao no offense but y’all are only paying attention now. Many of us have said this since 2014 when there was a documentary on her training and the girls were covered in bruises and basically didn’t eat. One said in 2014 she only had powdered shakes at the Olympics. No meals. The other has said they don’t drink ANY WATER on comp days. This was 2014. It should have been an issue FARRRRR before this.

[@_Churchy]

@@bethm5791 You're absolutely right, but sports like FS only get this level of attention once every 4 years, and the fact that the coach was so brazen as to act like that on worldwide TV is shocking. Times have somewhat moved on since 2014, more people speak out. I want to know what the governing bodies are going to do now going forward to put a stop to these exploitative and abusive practices. I for one will be paying much closer attention going forward, and adding my voice to this call for action, but I will not be watching competitions for now because I feel like that would make me complicit. They care about ratings more than people, more than children.

[@litehold1144]

@@bethm5791 - I didn't see the documentary. That is just horrific. Why is the IOC allowing the Russians to compete at all then?

[@dianebannister4591]

@@bethm5791 I didn't hear any of that before until you mentioned it about how the Russian girls were trained and under a strict regimen.

[@antiafrosvengalis]

I certainly do miss Scott Hamilton's figure skating commentary. He's stellar.

[@penelopelopez8296]

I miss Scott too. I miss the days when the competitors skated clean. These young girls doing multiple quads and triples throughout their routines is super human and not logical. I knew that girl was doing something after her short program…..there’s no way a young girl can have that kind of stamina from just training and practicing….no way.

[@gina5565]

I love his commentating! So agree

[@ilanamillion8942]

He was never the most exciting skater but I always liked him and agree that he is one of the best commentators out there. He avoids all the 'bitchiness' that comes with figure skating commentary. These Russians are awful and the way they treated that poor skater is inexcusable! Apparently that coach who was berating her after the performance is a horrible person and even her own daughter left skating entirely to take up any sport which was not coached by her mother. I blame the IOC a lot for this, too. They are so corrupt that they will take money and they will let countries like China with a horrible human rights record and then allowing a country with state-sponsored doping to even compete. I used to love watching the Olympics but it is getting to the point where I don't follow it anymore. I feel for the athletes.

[@salamanca1954]

Scott nails it.

[@debaniol9321]

@@ilanamillion8942 Scott was an awesome skater for the times…it’s a different sport now with the jumps!

[@MonumentToSin]

It's alarming when you look into Russia's coach, Eteri, and see that she has a very long history of using and abusing her students, only to throw them away when their bodies give out under the pressure of her likely abusive coaching. None of her students have ever been able to cross into an adult figure skating career because their bodies start breaking down at the age of 17. Everyone in the figure skating community knows this, but no one has done anything to stop her!

[@dinavienna]

@@lordlee6473 „strict“ ex soviet and Russian coaching styles are more and more unacceptable though. Ballet has long had watershed moments where Russian coaches face outrage and disciplinary action over physically abusive methods outside of Russia. A world famous coach was suspended at the Viennese opera some years ago when she pushed ballet dancers after too long a practice further and further until one got hurt. This can be Career ending and is pseudo beneficial rubbish - we are learning not to do it to sports horses, and shouldn’t do it to athletes or artists And of course sexual abuse is even worse. But there s no merit in the argument „others do badly too“. It means you are doing badly and ougjt to do better full stop.

[@MaryBethMcCoy]

@@lordlee6473 Neither is better. It is all a disgrace. Maybe it would be better if you simply comment on the subject at hand, which is the doping scandal and stop trying to shift to other topics which are unrelated.

[@lordlee6473]

@@dinavienna I actually agree with you. No coaches should go about abusing their athletes, physically or verbally. But I didn’t see anything wrong with being “cold” after an athlete’s poor performance. Ppl forget coaches are humans too, and they also put a lot of blood and sweat into training an athlete. Why can’t they be disappointed or angry or show any other emotions

[@NotoLeft]

Eteri is known for mental and phisical abuse of her students.She deprives them of food and water instead makes them to drink diffrent protein shakes (and now we know dangerous heart meds). At the end this kids end up with very low body wieght so they can perform their jumps but this only works before they reach puberty.Then their bodies just cant keep up with the pressure.

[@dinavienna]

@@lordlee6473 oh yeah I get that - I misunderstood your point. When i saw it i was in two minds. The athlete is VERY young but coaches also aren’t in business to be substitute parents. And not all of them Likely have such behavior in themselves. So yeah being „cold“ I get what you say, especially also when you rightly point out this is crushing their dreams too they worked hard for.

[@elisefincher4478]

My heart just broke for those girls on the Russian team. They're essentially being doped up pimped out and aren't protected by their entourage and coaches all for a medal. The coach is a real piece of work.

[@jennifermarkens1882]

appears to have distorted narcissistic issues: her own career in skating was inferior to Ms. Valievas, and she probably never had a coach who treated her this abusively.

[@deisabri5800]

That coach is really terrible. They are not allowed to eat solid meals, have to train with injuries, are separated from their parents and their backs and Hips break when they turn 17-18.

[@Truffle_Young_Jr]

They are being doped? Do you have proof or you're a liar?

[@reinstate317]

@@Truffle_Young_Jr Valieva’s case, lol

[@garotadagavea]

Those girls are being treated as appallingly as race horses. Check Kaori Sakamoto's bronze medal performance. If it were not for the extra points from the quads, Kaori-san would have won the gold medal. I'll bet all the Russians are being doped. There is a reason why women have a hard time doing quads. It is hard for men! They are being given drugs to increase stamina and cardio capacity. God knows what that will do to them in the future. But for a guess, check what happened to the East Germany's female swim team.

[@MsMars.]

Scott Hamilton has the guts to tell it like it is.

[@vintagesportscardfinds964]

You shouldn't have put her in that position. The IOC failed. She failed a drug test. She shouldn't have skated. And these coaches should never coach again!

[@cosplayshop]

It's CAS fault, IOC wanted her banned, and CAS (Like the SCOTUS for sport) said she can compete, there are nothing IOC can do once CAS handed out the verdict, they can only change their program to adjust with the competition.

[@eileenmcdonald1599]

IOC didnt want her to skate. It was the Court of arbitration.please learn before commenting

[@nyguy5370]

Scott Hamilton is a national treasure. Would love to see him arrange for Valieva to come here, train clean, and maybe return to the Olympics in 2026. That type of kindness, the expression of confidence in her, and the recognition that she was not responsible for the controversy surrounding her, might be what she needs to come out of this without long lasting emotional scars that come with being the poster child for Doping and Child abuse in sport.

[@xxwhispersxx2856]

It's a great thought but you have to remember, it's VERY HARD for the Russian skaters to leave Russia. Evgenia Medeveva attempted to go to Canada, lots of rumors started swirling around she was going to switch her citizenship to Canada, she was so happy with Brian Orser as her coach, and suddenly BOOM, she was back in Russia and forced to sever ties with Orser's team.

[@servraghgiorsal7382]

That's a good idea, to help support this young girl Who has been publicly traumatized by events and her so called coach. They've almost completely broken her spirit.😧😧😐

[@Vladi0310]

@@xxwhispersxx2856 pandemic 😷, when borders closed, Medvedeva was in Japan, she doesn’t have permanent residence or citizenship in Canada, so was sent back to Russia.

[@emallace447]

God Bless Soctt.

[@emallace447]

@@tolis42195 I'd rather not have a champion that didn't cheat to win. No medal is worth doping. I wish Russia would learn what integrity and morals are.

[@SamanthaLim-of1rf]

The coach eteri is literally breaking young girls leaving them to retire so early on due to back injuries or other complications. It's sad to see that the girls have so much fighting power, but they just "break" when or before they reach the age of 20

[@CarolanIvey]

Imagine what they could have achieved with the right guidance a coaching. What a waste.

[@jennaolbermann7663]

The coach should be retired for her treatment of her athletes.

[@Canuckmom128]

The IOC is a Joke. They know perfectly well what’s going on, and the “machine” behind Russia’s Olympic Athletes was on full display, in all it’s meanness and ugliness. I feel for these young girls, training under such horrible people with such unrelenting expectations. Disgusting.

[@marinaatamanova9625]

You know only what you hear from the us commentators. What they want you to know. Norwegian “clean athletes”? Ha! Do you know that Norwegian skiers are all asthmatic? They need their prescription medication. How it’s not a dipping?

[@gregknipe8772]

@@marinaatamanova9625 change your name to Smith for some credibility, Ms Putin.

[@annn37]

Let's face it. At 15 years old, you are a young child. This is too much pressure to place on a young girl. However those drugs got into her system, it broke the rules and she should have not been allowed to compete. This messed with her mental health, but in Russia, they do not care and they are all about winning. I feel sorry for all of these athletes (children) who are training under this coach as I truly believe they are suffering child abuse. So, while all of their reactions are unacceptable, coaches included, it is systemic to the core. It is ironic how the couples coaches' from the ROC are not experiencing the same thing and seem to receive much more support. And, yes, this is DISGUSTING!

[@annn37]

And, let's not forget that the girl who WON GOLD was dissociating herself form the situation and her entire "team" was ignoring her and at first, the only one to congratulate her was the Japanese girl who won Bronze. The Japanese girl showed class and sportsmanship. I truly felt sorry for her that nobody came over from her "team" to help her celebrate her win! She just won a gold medal at the Olympics and she barely had a smile on her face as nobody seemed to be happy for her. Just pathetic.

[@jurajf1]

I am very impressed by Scott, so sensitive and to the point. I agree with everything he said. Thanks Scott.

[@llee8825]

So proud that he represented the USA cleanly.

[@erinvalynn]

Yeah. I tend to agree perhaps the best thing to do to Russia is to hit them where it hurts-ban them from the Olympics-at least until it can be seen they have learned to play fair. It seems to be WAY too important to them to win, as this is an on-going problem with them-so take away the opportunity until it’s obvious they will change. It’s sad it has come to this though.

[@pinkvelvet3865]

That woman coach & ROC should be investigated for abusing their young athletes just to get the GOLD medal.

[@natashanatasha649]

I agree with the coach. She’s a super coach who makes Olympic champions since 2014. She knows her girls and how to speak with them. I also had a feeling during watching that Valieva could of fought more. And that’s what her coach wasn’t happy about. She didn’t say “why u didn’t win”, she said “why u let it, why u didn’t fight till the end”. If she said it means that she knows Valieva could of fought better. And every good coach who loves his athlete will demand that the athlete fights on 100%. It’s the love of coach if he’s like that. A coach has to be hard with a player. Not in demanding victories, but in demanding that a player does on 100%. This coach of course loves her girls.

[@penelopelopez8296]

The girl was given a banned substance to increase her stamina and endurance. That’s what that drug does…..puts more oxygen into your blood which gives you an edge. It’s illegal ….even in horse racing. You cannot cheat.

[@TarotPolitics]

I have been watching a lot of documentaries and commentary on this and the coach has been starving them and pushing them so hard that by the time they get to the olympics, they are shadows. They humanity has been squeezed out of them. They have a culture of pushing the girls to DELAY PUBERTY by not eating and training too hard... it's very disturbing. They fear growing because they know once they develop they won't be able to 'jump' and will then lose.

[@nose123456ful]

No you can’t get trícelo s with drugs ,

[@arbur4746]

@@natashanatasha649 YES and besides, how these YT "experts" know WHO IT WAS (if anyone) that gave her drug? Why was it Tutberidze? And why not OTHER Russian girls were given the same "substances" if so? they can watch there favorite Johny Weir meanwhile...

[@PortsladeBySea]

The state organised child abuse of these skaters is appalling and must end immediately. The worldwide skating authorises must punish the coaches and trainers who instigate this mental and physical abuse and doping. It’s been going on for many years and must now be stopped.

[@basanticgroen1798]

This happens in EVERY SPORT in Russia through those sportschools where kids live for years and all they do train and are being trained like " dancing monkeys" .. HORRIBLE !

[@christines2787]

That little girl is breaking my heart. This just isn't right. That kid needs good people around her

[@dianebannister4591]

It broke my heart too seeing what that young girl Kamila had to go through. With all that media attention around the world focusing on the doping situation and many being angry about her competing, it was too much pressure for a young girl. Her coach was cruel to berate her when she came off the ice. I said prayers for Kamila for her comfort and strength. She should go train with someone else. I'm glad that Russia gave her a warm welcome home. I hope she can continue in the sport.

[@E_eify_8]

People on social media and Mainstream media are probably as harmful to her as people around her. Even on this MSNBC piece, the anchors attacked the girl and are pouring fuel to the fire. This undue outrage broke a once-in-a-generation star, and they don’t even know what they’re doing.

[@DarrylBarnes]

Lol so she needs to get the IOC out of her life?

[@CaraT1978]

The Russian’s coach is infamous for pushing these girls to their emotional limits- when you read more into. Coach weighs the girls daily, one skater suffer anorexia, etc - what we saw was the product of children being pushed to their limits by an emotionally abusive coach.

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

me 2 I agree with you Christine

[@jjaa6157]

Kaori Sakamoto showed absolute class and compassion. I applaud her.

[@sjsupa]

If she should decline the podium because she did not belong。 If she did that, I would applaud her.

[@QuirkyGirl10]

@@sjsupa like if Adelina Sotnikova had declined the gold medal at the Sochi Games because she "did not belong?"

[@starlabaucum5658]

The Russian machine is being exposed and it is broken!!! Scott is spot on!!!

[@isaiahcameron7897]

It’s almost like forcing children to sacrifice their entire childhood in a bid to represent a nation, particularly during times of political turmoil, isn’t a good thing. Could it be that isolating them from their peers, controlling their food, forcing them into intense physical activities beyond what their bodies are capable of, isolating them with intensely controlling individuals whose “coaching” would be seen as abuse under any other circumstances, and subjecting them to intense pressure, and ignoring all social emotional milestones their peers are experiencing could result in a poor emotional state for vulnerable children! To think that this sort of environment could lead to severe mental health issues. It’s almost like child sacrifice with extra steps.

[@bodarkghost1864]

For the motherland

[@ingai7014]

So as Chen then and Malinin ,as soon as new generation of US ladies will be with quads to complete against Russian girls ,you will change your tune

[@kimeikoraevision5446]

Dang. That is...just...sad.

[@ingai7014]

@@kimeikoraevision5446 take antidepressant

[@berenicesaquet1870]

The almost is too much. It is exactly that

[@aspen327]

I totally agree with Scott . Why were ROC EVEN ALLOW TO COME TO THE OLYMPICS. ALL THESE GIRLS WERE ABUSED AND USED BY THEIR GOVERNMENT.

[@mtbmsm]

Yes they sure were abused...let's hope Eteri and company are prosecuted for child abuse!

[@queencerseilannister3519]

I don't get this either. How is the ROC truly different than Russia? They just keep doping and allowed to compete. Next it'll be something else "ROC 2" LOL

[@anayarey]

@@mtbmsm I don't think that's ever gonna happen. Russia/Putin has their back. It's state sponsored abuse

[@anayarey]

@@queencerseilannister3519 ROC reloaded lol

[@queencerseilannister3519]

@@anayarey Now THAT'S a film title! 🤣

[@karen85814]

There is a documentary on the overstress training of these young bodies. They skate with injuries and injured backs. Parents are kept away from very young children in training. It is Machiavellian.

[@barbj9785]

Most of these Russian girls have a skating life span for Worlds, Olympics of 4 to 5 years and you dont see them again.

[@QuirkyGirl10]

@Karen N Tutberidze is known for having her athletes train for 12 hours a day. That is a sure way to burn out one's body before you're even an adult!

[@Yellow.Blossom23]

And what name is the dokument? Thanks

[@tonistokes1790]

Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka have shown this is not just an age issue. Expectations form sport federations, Olympic Committees, sponsors, the media and even fans have grown to epic proportions that are just not humanely possible to meet, particularly for successful athletes in high profile sports.

[@soulcornflake1]

Olympic pressure is extreme. Brian Boitano said before the pressure is so extreme it can take years off your life, and he's also said it took probably about 15 years for him to fully recover from it, and that was 34 years ago. I can't imagine a 15 year old withstanding that.

[@brynneholt1990]

I vividly recall commentators frequently saying that young athletes like Lipinski didn’t feel pressure because of their age. I always thought that was a load of crap.

[@SandyJS1]

As Tara Lipinski said in an interview this week, “if a country or player can’t play by the rules, they shouldn’t play”. If the Olympic committee would have put their foot down, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. I think more than Russia is to blame here. Thoughts….

[@Knonnynonny]

So totally with you. LITTLE GIRL ... ???? what???? Until she COMES CLEAN and vows to dedicate her life to TRUTH she is no LITTLE GIRL to me but a CHEAT.

[@user-po1mj3fi5d]

Tara gets to remain the youngest to get gold......... I wonder why she thinks someone who has been testing negative for the past five years has not been playing by the rules.

[@MS-mv7zi]

@@user-po1mj3fi5d A literal positive drug test.

[@SandyJS1]

@@user-po1mj3fi5d u must play by the rules when you’re in the ‘big girls’ game. C’mon man! Hv some sense.

[@user-po1mj3fi5d]

@@MS-mv7zi more likely a positive sham

[@Knightwatch57]

Tutberidze and company should be totally banned from the Olympics!!! They are totally disgusting how they treat their athletes!! My heart breaks for Valieva she has such great talent!!!

[@claireeebee]

Absolutely agree. Her skaters are so disposable to her. At least that's what it looks like. That poor girl.

[@yolandapaulino5952]

But they won’t since she gets them medals which means more to them the humans

[@yuliya0504]

World police. Worry about your coaches how they train because so far even Nathan Chen and Michelle Kwan the best you have are trained by a Russian coach

[@Knightwatch57]

@@yuliya0504 BIG, BIG difference between Nathan Chen and Michelle Kwan’s coach and Tutberidze coaching staff, Nathan Chen and Michelle Kwan were not exploited, starved, and taken away from their parents they were coached well and their well-being as a person were not downgraded just to produce medals for their country and be disposed of when they turn 17, and by the way, Nathan and Michelle’s coach didn’t make them take drugs!!! So, NO COMPARISON there!!

[@TheCandiceWang]

@@yuliya0504 Michelle Kwan is training with a Russian coach right now? Really? She's working with politics right now. Tell the truth. Try harder to tell the truth.

[@winewoman224]

Sadly, she's a product for their glory , not a girl with feelings.

[@emallace447]

Exactly. It's vile.

[@AzaleaLala]

You said it all in one sentence. It's just so sad.

[@ja9795]

She is 15 years old! It would seem, based on her performance Thursday night, the she DOES have feelings...

[@marsianer4842]

Flawed glory. Flawed Nation. Flawed people. Ban them.

[@timdowney6721]

@@marsianer4842 There’s plenty of evidence showing the US can be despicable as well. Look at the gymnasts abused, college athletes ruthlessly exploited, etc. I doubt China’s Olympic programs would stand much scrutiny, either.

[@rosecirigliano5706]

Soulless coaches The IOC olympic committee doesn’t walk the talk. Do something to HELP these kid skaters . Hypocrisy at its zenith.

[@jessie6835]

Come to North America, Anna Scherbakova... the U.S and Canada 💖you!

[@antonioacevedo5200]

I believe in my heart that, if Valieva had been an average skater, she would not have been allowed to compete. The IOC would not have been able to take the TV ratings hit by suspending her. It's all about the money.

[@dancinglo]

Scott really is a father figure in this sport.

[@theresareynolds3133]

I loved watching Scott Hamilton skate, he’s a king on the ice. He really understands what these young skaters go through.

[@Margo-oj5yc]

@Felicity Grossman ...I think he is aware of these things. Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock is aware of them. The sport needs its "elder statespersons" who are still involved in the sport, including Scott Hamilton and Brian Orser to name just two, to keep the spotlight on it and do what they can to support the athletes.

[@jamesk8s1]

Thank you Scott Hamilton for always being a source of truth and strength in the face of unsavory practices.

[@winkieblink7625]

Kamila has been emotionally traumatized…..on a world stage. She might not recover and that’s the reality of how much her coaches have abused her and possibly the rest of the team.

[@lanagrossman489]

She traumatized by respond from USA . Japan and another countries were supporting 15 years old Kamila.

[@brucewinther6926]

Life in Russia on many levels is what this is all about---Like Scott says---perhaps the best thing would be to eliminate Russia from world sports

[@kevinkemble3718]

@@lanagrossman489, well there you go again. What evidence to back that up?

[@Vladi0310]

@@lanagrossman489 really ?? Only USA?? You can’t be serious…

[@Vladi0310]

@@lanagrossman489 ENOUGH WITH BLAMING USA, it’s almost a joke now: “someone gets drunk and drives, but who fault is it? USA “ take responsibility for your own actions

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

I appreciate the doctor's mention of Norway, and the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals.

[@georgec7899]

Pohl post is so very true of my experience in how Norway looks at humanity for example when a person commits a crime and are jailed the reoffending is the lowest in the World.Russian officials do well to study this and the way the coaches treated this 15 year old is an example of CHILD CRUETY. This young ice skater has tremendous talent and her coaches ( if you can call them) should sacked and hold their heads in SHAME

[@emallace447]

Absolutely agree.

[@rukivverh888]

I don't know Norwegian figure skaters or gymnasts who are dominating the world.

[@lwh7301]

Well rounded? Norwegians only ski and that's it!

[@joanies6778]

@rukivverh888 The doctor said they allow their athletes to develop in multiple sports and "look how they are dominating the winter Olympics". He did not specify Norwegian ice skaters or gymnasts... Norway has MORE medals than any other country in this winter Olympics. They ARE cleaning up!

[@nancymcnafferson3192]

They need to suspend Russia. It’s ridiculous.

[@margarettwittty]

Russia is technically suspended that’s why they are under the name ROC.. Russia Olympic Committee. They can’t use their flag or their national anthem if they win.

[@Justmeann977]

Scott said it'. "Russia should be deleted from the games entirely"

[@theedgeofcorrie]

You can just see how much Scott's heart breaks for her. The face he expressed when she mentioned the long-term effects of these drugs can have on these girls was pure empathy & sadness. He is such a good human. I remember watching him when he landed a backflip in the '94 Olympics & the crowd went wild! He was magnificent!!

[@NMemone]

Oh yes his famous "Walk This Way" performance! The sassiest thing I've ever seen on the ice. The man is an absolute legend and a wonderful human as well!

[@Maya-bu2rf]

I loved his reaction to Surya Bonaly landing the backflip on one foot! He said he landed it on two and it hurt.

[@OnTheFritz602]

I feel so bad/sad for Kamila, and her coach is a heartless disgrace.

[@moonkitten5934]

I also feel for sad Anna for who won and her coach didn’t even celebrate her. She just sat in a room alone .

[@sjsupa]

@@moonkitten5934 Hey, you guys did this to the girls. Now you got what you want. No need to feel bad about it.

[@joe2979]

@@sjsupa How did we do this? Here is a real simple concept. Show up to the olympic games with athletes that do not have banned substances in their body. Can somebody please explain to me what is so hard to understand about this?

[@sjsupa]

@@joe2979 exactly, she had no banned substance in the game or right before the game. She only took them in practice to prevent death.

[@joe2979]

@@sjsupa Right, thanks for the proof.

[@NormaLilia24]

Sasha didn’t have a temper tantrum, it was a full blown meltdown from years for being told that if she jumped all 5 quads she would win and when that didn’t happen she blew up. She’s also mad bc she wasn’t picked to be on the free program for the team event and have the honor to be the first woman to land a quad (that went to valieva) although Sasha was the first one to jump it and from there on everybody else has tried to jump it. She could’ve at least gotten the team gold and Eteri took that away from her.. it’s a long list of things as to why Sasha reacted in that manner, yes bc she thought she rightfully deserved the gold but also because she has been bottling up years worth of bad treatment from her coaches. She tried to leave them once but the Eteri “bonus” really made a difference so she went back to them specifically to she can try and reach that Olympic gold. She’s a champion in many peoples eyes, no one has ever landed 5 quads let alone at the Olympics, she’s made history happen gold or not.

[@lornaannrudder1153]

Thanks Normy, I thought she was hyperventilating and about to collapse. Yeah, she seemed a bit jealous also.

[@AT-jm4dl]

I think Sasha would've been fine with her individual silver medal if she could have had the gold medal from the team event. She really wanted to bring home a gold medal, regardless if it was achieved in the team event or the individual event.

[@TheCandiceWang]

@@lornaannrudder1153 jealous? Did you read what was said? More like denied and lied to...

[@lilalvarez1894]

I don’t think it was jealousy! She is just fed up with her coaches bad , sneaky way . She has never reacted like this in her past. She loves her friends. But, she saw that her coaches were trying to have someone else besides her to win Gold . I’m think about it ! Either the meds were given to Valieva to have her be the gold medalists for the beginning of they we’re trying to ruin Valieva do Ana could win ! I don’t know but I myself would had blown up too in frustration! This is why she left before to another coach . But the judges are bought out by Sambo 70 Eteri camp and Trusova wouldn’t had made it to the Olympics.

[@mtbmsm]

Thank you for pointing out the reason for Alexandra's (Sasha) tantrum...this whole doping scandal is on Eteri and the entourage. These girls deserve better (meaning a better coach). Yevgenia left Eteri due to poor treatment...even thought she did not win as much, Evgenia was happy...happy she got a very nice coach like Brian Orser!

[@Heather-xz8fk]

I love Scott Hamilton. Just the best man with a heart of gold. Just the best.

[@emerald637]

Amen.

[@Moon-Marie]

I miss his commentary.

[@jenifersmith3603]

@@Moon-Marie me too! Omg me too!!! I hope he replaces Tara and Johnny!

[@Raptorsky20]

sorry hi have atak kamila hi now she have the right too skate ! it givs a A Test that is positiv becouse not B Test and the test result came on 8 .2 too late too protest this kamila has the rigth too start becouse usa wont banned this girl too win gold in Teamevent nothing else that is fake what you do Maria Bell have Atak her Training PArtner in champion chip 2019 nobody have say MAriah Bell must banned or ?

[@mary-car]

I fondly remember his routine to “Rock & Roll Part 2”. I still smile when I see it. He is a legend too. Miss his wisdom

[@mountainbound1315]

This girl was abused and failed by every adult around her from her parents right down to the coaches and the Olympic committee. What a tragedy for this young girl. I am sad for her. 😥

[@РамильСадыков-ц5б]

Скинь мне это видео ,про то что над ней издевались родители и тренер.и про тренера ее.

[@janetlawson4482]

It breaks my heart for that poor girl, she’s worked so hard. Then to be scolded, just shameful.

[@Knonnynonny]

Pardon me, but I can think of many OTHER poor little girls around the world who deserve my sympathies before these CHEATERS, 2 of whom just may get away. Around a cheater is a COMMUNITY of cheats and enablers.

[@Knonnynonny]

It should break your heart that THEY WERE DOPED and not that they worked so hard or they were scolded. You need your PRIORITIES straight, LAWson. Rules exist for a reason. We live in a misogynistic world that scolds us old and young and in-between, Janet. I envy the bubble you've been in but little girls get mistreated, scolded, shamed, and bullied, and exploited all the time. This isn't about that. It is a DOPING CASE, L-A-W-son. And while that sinks in, please also do give a minute of your silence to ANDREEA RADUCAN of Romania who was also a little girl and totally didn't mean to dope. Sudafed. Yep. In an already asterisked Olympics where the Australians set the vault INCHES too low.

[@janetlawson4482]

@@Knonnynonny I am sure that you know nothing about my bubble, however being honest, any “adult” that allows or encourages their child to be doped should be arrested for child abuse! My bubble includes disabled children of my own, you speak out of turn, I am not the enemy. Kindly take your anger out on the source, not me!

[@Pokedawn100]

@@janetlawson4482 I'd ignore that comment. It clearly looks like some rage and mental issues are present. Really strange.

[@Pokedawn100]

When they say doping it makes me think of illicit drugs and steroids. Not heart medication and Ephedrine. Shame.

[@elizabethgeyer1337]

I loved what you had to say Scott...let her make choices for herself in where she wishes to train. Her country failed her in her beauty and potential. I love the idea of her being able to choose. We can all see the incredible talent of these women...take away the country...how about honoring her as a human who has talent and grace and give her the chance to develop in that frame of being? Times are changing...I opt in for these beautiful young people to choose their destiny, in a location in the world that will nurture their being...just for the sake of being human and developing our potentials from there!!

[@christinemeleg4535]

Russian freedom of choice? Not with that despot Putin controlling his fiefdom. Your comment reads like a fairytale, unrealistic in actual ocurrance. In reality sports are EXPENSIVE, who will pay in your dream world?

[@deirdrekiely6187]

The Russian Skating Federation puts HEAVY pressure on the athletes to train with certain coaches, they even threaten to pull funding away from the athletes. And coaches like Eteri have a LOT of power in Russia. They don't care about the athletes - athletes are disposable. They only care about the medals.

[@plumsmom8043]

So sad to see this teenager the age of my own son under such scrutiny, stress, and ultimately abuse. I hope these young women all get the help they need.

[@SandyJS1]

Maybe one day she’ll defect to a country that treats their athletes & people in general with dignity

[@sjsupa]

She is under such scrutiny, stress, and ultimately abuse from US skating community and NBC. Shame on them!

[@sjsupa]

@@SandyJS1 Sour grape! US cannot compete with the Russian skaters and now wants them to defect. Dream on!

[@QuirkyGirl10]

@@sjsupa and she is not being mistreated by Tutberidze et al?? You obviously only care about Russians winning at all costs without thinking about the welfare of the athletes. If you really cared about Russian figure skaters, you would do well to scrutinize Tutberidze and her tactics instead of pointing the finger of blame at everyone else.

[@sjsupa]

@@QuirkyGirl10 I am not Russian, never been in Russia, and the only Russian I know is a coworker in San Francisco. I don't care what nationality won, but care about seeing the best performance in Olympics. You and all the people who point fingers are the ones that are not thinking about the welfare of the athletes. The heart medicine was to protect athletes from sudden death of heart failure. With or without the medicine, the girls would train as hard. But with medicine, they had a less chance of dying. Would you rather see them dying in practice like so many US high school football players? The drug has no effect on the performance during competition, nor it will alter the physiology of human body permanently. None! If you care, please join the movement to promote this drug.

[@o0m0j]

Scott's take is always right on the money. Valieva should leave Eteri's "factory" ASAP.

[@asiamommi]

"No capacity in her heart". So true!

[@hlondon2408]

She has been conned and abused by these sick, selfish people.

[@emallace447]

Agreed. Bravo to Scott for having the courage to say what was desperately needed. Finally people are beginning to speak up and demand Russia be held rightfully accountable.

[@emallace447]

I couldn't help but notice the symbolism of the big fat gold watch her coach was wearing front and center in the frame as he performatively patted her head as she sobbed while receiving her score. It said SO much. These people are in the business of churning out young female skaters for profit. That's very obviously what it is about.

[@Jen-lc5yc]

There is without a doubt a financial gain for a full podium Russian sweep of Olympic figure skaters. This financial bribery is abundant in government sponsored sports. It's repulsive.

[@CTwenty7]

Bach is just as guilty. He’s done nothing to protect this sport.

[@michaelxz1305]

I watched the reception by her coach. This Bach guy was irresponsible with his comments about "chilling" . I am not Russian but I understand Russian. While the text that was subtitled is correct, the manner in which she was described by Bach and commentators as being received was not. The tone of voice was very normal, there was no berating. She was just asking Kamila what happened and why she didn't try to fight. Describing it as yelling as some people have is completely irresponsible.. Just FYI Yelling involves raised voices. She was talking completely normally.

[@Knonnynonny]

Bach is nothing less than CRIMINAL how he took the bribes and stayed at 5-star hotel and JUST DOES NOT GIVE A FIG about anything whatsoever that we hold dear about OLYMPICS.

[@philippapay4352]

After hearing the details of the blatant drug cheating in Sochi and what Scott Hamilton had to say here, it may be time for Russia to be excluded from the Olympic Games altogether.

[@mikegarcia7986]

Agreed!

[@cc1966ful]

"Maybe Russia just needs to be deleted from the Games entirely"...amen, Scott.

[@BLMVDV]

And then these same people will explain that they are not hostile to russia.

[@mtbmsm]

Let's hope they are banned permanently!

[@LeCharles07]

@@BLMVDV Rules are rules. ROC was caught doping when they were already in hot water for doping. What's the step beyond being forced to compete as ROC instead of Russia? Not being allowed to compete at all. Go home, working at the troll farm is warping your brain.

[@foxja1]

But what happens to the actual clean Russian athletes

[@MichouThe]

@@foxja1 well their loss

[@ladydeerheart1]

"Have we learned nothing"? Um, have you seen the "news" lately? No. We haven't learned a thing.

[@hunnerdayEDT]

The more I look at this, the more I feel that she was made to skate. It wasn’t about letting her skate. This is the ultimate tragedy these poor girls. I just want to hug them all and give them the love and comfort that they should have been given. Trusova, didn’t have a temper tantrum in my opinion, it was the emotion of the moment and the effects of the apparent emotional manipulation from her coaching team. She should have our sympathy not our negative judgment.

[@rachelschock8574]

Yeah, when Scott said that it did irk me a bit. From what I’ve heard she was upset about not winning gold, but at first she was mainly upset from seeing Valieva so crushed. I think she would have handled the situation better if the circumstances had been different since she was already emotional about Valieva that probably made her lash out for lack of better words about not winning gold. Also when she was skating Tara Lipinski mentioned a quote from Sasha which is “First is winning and everything else is losing” so with that mindset she was going to be disappointed if she didn’t win regardless which is okay. But again I think it was just a combination of everything else along with that that made her act the way she did. Although I agree with everything else Scott said and respect his insight as a former Olympian.

[@ForevermoreVibe]

Agreed she did not have a temper tantrum - it was an overload of stress emotions and she released it - good on her.

[@francescadac6082]

What a heartless, evil woman! No compassion to this young, talented lady. Ban this awful coach permanently!

[@antonioacevedo5200]

She was actually praised by the Russians for getting winning results. What a system.

[@joe2979]

@@antonioacevedo5200 And Kamila's a national hero, even though she showed up with a positive test. It's just ridiculous. There's is no playing with them, they simply don't care.

[@ayusoenaryo6809]

It's kind of telling that none of Eteri's previous successful trainees never shine again after the age of 18, however great they were. Where is Zagitova & Medvedeva now? Lipnitskaya had to retire at 19(!), just three years after winning gold at the Olympics. It's really sad to imagine what Trusova must've felt, knowing being 17 she'd soon pass her prime age in Sambo-70, even with all her quads.

[@nikitashaitan9984]

Zagitova is studying and working on TV. She won each of the titles and there is no need for her to compete now that she’s finished her school and athletic career she’s opened for the new path. And honestly what’s wrong with that? She’s not injured, just moved on. Medo is injured. But she also has new life. She’s a commentator, also work on TV, studies in uni. IMO what they have now is a great outcome: compete before uni then start a new life as guest ice shows performers, as TV and media stars, while they’re also able to learn new things cause life is not over after being a retired athlete. As much as i don’t like the way Eteri’s camp pushes girls, they end up being well rounded persons with huge media presence, a ton of cash and opportunities and all of that before finishing school.

[@antmansmom5476]

This is horrifying for these girls 😢.

[@penelopelopez8296]

Nobody is forcing them.

[@thsu8]

This is what it takes to be great. This isn't your daughter signing up for skating lessons. These girls are the best in the world. To be the best in the world at anything takes an obsessive mindset willing to suffer. You're average, like 99.9% of the commenters here. You wouldn't understand.

[@renmen79]

I completely agree with Scott, Kamila deserve another chance to realize her real talent.

[@Chicago48]

Something is wrong with the doping labs taking 2 months to give results.

[@chimeexpress8603]

Does she even have “real” talent when NOT doping?? We don’t know that answer. She cheats.

[@ceciliaSF-TX]

Covid is the reason for the delay of the results: no people available to get it done in a timely manner.

[@xeaux]

@@chimeexpress8603 She obviously has innate talent. You can’t take that from her or else she wouldn’t be able to do the things artistically that she does. However you do have to question whether she would still be able to land the big jumps especially later in her program if she weren’t taking anything (even unwittingly) to enhance her endurance.

[@georgiabulldogs3129]

@@xeaux I think her falling like she did proved she can’t do that without those drugs.

[@mypaperjourney]

This Russian coach and any other countries coach that behave and treat athletes in such a way should be banned from coaching future Olympians. This youngster's hard work and dedication is hard enough for them, they need encouragement instead of harsh criticism.

[@rhondasisson1681]

Thank you!!

[@mtbmsm]

In addition, Eteri and company (entourage) should be prosecuted and permantly banned from the Olympics.

[@suecastillo4056]

It’s the culture… been going on for YESRS, in and out of the Olympics. THEY are there to win… period. God knows what goes on behind the scenes… One can only imagine. BUT who knows her politics in accordance with the Russian push and shove, win at any cost… and having said that? We have our own stuff going on… let’s clean up us first, then start on others… we aren’t innocent of abuse are we… it’s in ANY sport… human Atheletes, horses, dog shows, etc. Abuse is abuse, lies are lies, cover ups are cover ups… win at any price…🤔😑☮️

[@1truek269]

Let's not pretend that the IOC cares. Russian scandals are decades old, molestation of young female gymnasts went on for decades, it's just a money grab for corporations supporting the Olympics at this point. And let's not get into how they treats Carri, as if cannibis was performance enhancing. Why did they real exclude her? 🤔Because she is a young, black female who would get no sympathy, just like how Biles was treated. Worldwide - racism is ignorance.

[@anayarey]

It wasn't harsh what Eteri said. Have you even watched the clip?

[@minnerrose709]

We need more Scott Hamilton in 2022! 🙌

[@AyeCarumba221]

So much of this sports world is actually really sickening. I have no interest in watching. I still cheer that young black gymnast who, last summer, said enough is enough, and walked away. That world is obscene.

[@cozy46]

Simone Biles

[@chesterwilberforce9832]

I ran track and cross country through school, and went to state championships two years. Good coaches don't need to yell at you if you are doing poorly. You are fully aware of this without being yelled at about it. They make sure that you know that you did something wrong if you were unaware of something, but they don't rub your nose in it. That does not motivate people. A coach is there to help you improve, not tear you down. It makes them defensive and unable to play well and relaxed. The best coach I ever had never raised his voice, and he took championship runners to state every year he was there. When he died many of the guys he coached flew from all over the country to attend his funeral. I wonder how many of her skaters will come to her funeral.

[@LeCharles07]

You never know. Maybe they show up with crates of champagne.

[@debvoz]

They will likely show up - abused children often spend their entire lives believing that they deserve the abuse, particularly when it is presented as "I'm only doing this because you make it necessary with your behavior". That is exactly what that coach does - she tells the girls that she is only abusing them to make them champions and if they fail it is their fault for not being strong enough, not her failure as a coach.

[@Jen-lc5yc]

Scott Hamilton is so articulate and intelligent. He was an incredible athlete in his day and has the respect of the skating community. His comments are fair and reasonable.

[@JaneDoe-ve5lr]

What Russia did to this child is horrific. First they force fed gets drugs and then abandon her. Russia should be banned from the future Olympics.

[@eddythefan]

IT IS EXTREME CHILD ABUSE

[@skaterboy-cz9wj]

I know it is not proven but I agree this is the case. It is amazing she came fourth - hardly a disaster.

[@soyandoat4106]

Please dont call Trusova throwing a “temper tantrum” she has worked so hard to master quad and promised that with her technical skills she would already have gold She felt cheated upon. Please be understanding, her “tantrum” that you have called is not moral or character deficiency but may actually emphasize there is something very very wrong and needed to be banned from Eteri

[@hadassahtannenbaum8828]

I agree Trusova was acting out of duress. I would hate skating too. They also need to shroud the gold medalist with praise...being left out at her finest moment brought tears to my eyes. Get rid of that coach. She is a criminal who only looks at these skaters as commodities. Not real teens with real feelings. When one skater ages out and can't do the jumps they are replaceable. Awful.

[@reactivepidgeon1875]

Also, I feel like these girls are being defined by their skating. That's all they are told they are worth, so of course not winning is going to hurt. Her meltdown needs to be met with empathy not critism from the world.

[@peecful1]

Regardless, it was a tantrum.

[@topazgirl170]

@@peecful1 I disagree. I bet you're a person who did not know who Sasha(nickname) Trusova was before the women's event. Sasha's personality is always bubbly, efferve, smiling. She has endeared herself to many around the world because she's fearless. I've watched her attempt 6 quads in a program, fall on the first two and still give it her all and attempt the other 4 quads. Also, we saw someone's dream die in front the world. Many times in skating, the grieving that Trusova displayed is not shown to the world. It's done in the back, in bathroom, in hallways. Having one's dream die is emotionally brutal for anyone, imagine that happening to a 17 year old in the front of the world.

[@rajs7876]

Well her parents should have intervened and sent her to someone who can teach her basic skating skills because she is 17 and still cannot do a crossover

[@vanity68]

I agree with Scott 100 percent. Absolutely they need to investigate and do something.

[@susanfanning9480]

This is a child abuse.

[@angelea2184]

Yes, it is, and that is not what we want when we support figure skating.

[@McLKeith]

Russia should have been banned from the Olympics after the Soichi doping scandal.

[@StanJamrog]

Russia was pseudo banned. Their doped athletes are still allowed to compete under their flag and the "ROC." They should have been removed completely, and if their athletes wished to perform they should have found a different flag to compete under. It is crazy the lengths Russia has gone to to dope their athletes and get away with it.

[@Vladi0310]

@@ellest1485 Russia can’t play by the rules, so maybe they can’t participate at all, nothing else is working 🤷‍♀️

[@anayarey]

@@Vladi0310 Russia will never stop doping. They can make their own Russian Olympics lol

[@Vladi0310]

@@anayarey you took words out of my mouth :)))) 👏👏👏👏

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

@@anayarey Good one!

[@JoelManers]

Scott Hamilton is The Godfather of ice skating. Glad he’s speaking out.

[@velvetbees]

In a perfect world he would coach her back to full capicity. He has the heart of a father and protector.

[@sammysworld5485]

Scott, I couldn’t agree with you more! Let’s just remove ROC out of the picture. This whole women’s figure skating Olympics competition was a disgrace.

[@elccollins99]

Russia should be banned from all international competitions, including the Olympics, for at least 10 years and their Olympic committee should need to pay fines worth several million dollars.

[@CarolanIvey]

It reminds me of the gymnastics scandal of years ago, when certain countries were falsifying birth records and sending "women" gymnasts that hadn't lost their baby teeth.

[@candacesmith321]

I agree with 100% with what Scott Hamilton said. She needs to get away from that coach and train with someone who truly cares about their athletes. None of the girls that were trained by that woman were treated right. She shouldn’t be allowed to train athletes anymore.

[@ingai7014]

I think Russia will disagree with you ,as they did ,and you are not in a position anyway to dictate whom and what

[@davisfarm9]

Love seeing Scott Hamilton. ❤ Such wise and on point commentary!

[@charleneevans5848]

my heart goes out to this young lady

[@tonistokes1790]

Valieva deserves a second chance. Skating had been her life since she was a young child. She showed exceptional talent as young as 5 years old when kids are learning to do somersaults and run. What she immediately needs is a loving care entourage that takes the unreasonable expectations off her. Let her find the love of skating again with no pressure. Being with a person like Ektarena Gordeeva who understands the Russian system and who is gentle and kind could provide a healing environment. Going back to Russia would be destructive to her.

[@katiegottfried1132]

Kamila Valieva deserves a second chance

[@aspenrobinson8797]

@@katiegottfried1132 The figure skating world championshios are in March , maybe Kamila can win gold . Kamila was always so great that she was probably never trained in recovery while skating a not perfect program .

[@nickreynolds8391]

I agree, Kamila deserves a 2nd chance at redemption. Can't imagine it will be with her current team - it will have to be at minimum under a new coach, but if anyone is gifted enough to return in 4 years and be a factor, it's Kamila Valieva. I will be rooting for her.

[@WelfareChrist]

Tutberidze, the skating coach in question here, has a long history of destroying the bodies of young Russian women to achieve medals for a few years between 15-17 then 'retiring' at 18 with totally destroyed spines. Honestly she should be completely removed from participating in skating at all, in addition everything this teenage girl is going through is the fault of her coaches.

[@nadiya3733]

That’s so true

[@ivechang6720]

Can we talk about the eating disorders as well? That can affect a woman for life! I have to wonder if they weren't trying to treat her for something as a result from the abuses in the "training" system.

[@ahavens2463]

Right!? I've watched interviews of skaters and eating disorders are pervasive. It's ignored. And I've had people attack me for saying some of the girls are too skinny. They are putting their health at risk people. It's not healthy!

[@gardenplots283]

I was watching some of the old performances from the Torino Olympics and while mosy of the skaters were slender they all looked healthy and none looked underweight.

[@ericbrown1101]

Yes did anyone see our champion Anna's arms in her interview with Andrea? I'm not a doctor but gosh they looked very thin.

[@rajs7876]

@@ericbrown1101 she looks like she dropped 5kgs on that tiny frame since December

[@ivechang6720]

I don't judge by weight. I judge by healthy attitudes. The prolonged recoveries and frequent bone breaks are definitely not good signs. The levels of pain the skaters with this one Russian trainer endure regularly seem beyond reason. I seriously doubt they would be able to tell when their bones ache from depletion.

[@dmmchugh3714]

Valieva will be off the scene next year; another cookie cutter, pre-pubescent skater will take her place. And the audiences will cheer. The severe training methods and restricted eating cause these young people life-changing injuries. They are not trained for longevity as were the great champions of not so long ago. Their bodies keep the harms for the rest of their lives. Once she hits puberty her jumping will be affected. As she has not learned proper technique, she will not be as successful. The technique of pre-rotating jumps puts severe force on the spine. The audience may love the quad jumps, but know that you are witnessing the end result of abusive, damaging training. It is sad for these girls as they can not enjoy long careers and they have mental/physical problems as a result. Is the gold medal worth this abuse ? Athletes are not machines. The doping is not fair to the other athletes, was she 'commanded' to stumble for the sake of the medal ceremony ? The Russian delegation should be banned for awhile ; and the age for senior competition should be raised to 17.

[@fbanks4]

932 Morreene Rd, Durham, NC 27705

[@christinemeleg4535]

Age 18. But what you stated is brilliant!

[@Lorrdd]

Once she hits puberty... you failed biology.

[@randycox3232]

👍👍👍👍

[@raaspider]

I like seeing adults skate i was cheering on kaori and the Belgium skater

[@katydidiy]

These Russian coaches forget, Johnny Weir is fluent in Russian and reads lips. In fact, their voraciousness leaves them without any defense. When their own winning skaters hearts are breaking, it's as if that makes no difference to the coaches. No shame, no regret.

[@lanagrossman489]

Johnny Weir making tons of money in Russia and made documentary about this girls and how good the program in Russia for figure skaters!! I hope they never let him step in Russia and makes money actually promoting what he right now criticizing!! I thought better about all of them who is on this video.

[@anayarey]

@@ellest1485 I agree that Eteri's question wasn't abusive. She simply asked what happened, why she didn't fight because it was so uncharacteristic for her. I think Kamila knew that she wouldn't receive the medal anyways so she threw the towel

[@KC_50]

@@anayarey I agree… if she didn’t let’s say mindfully throw on purpose.. having the fact on the back of ur mind that even if u did medal there wouldn’t be a ceremony for anyone had to weigh heavy and bring her down to not give it all.. shouldn’t even been on the ice

[@dianebannister4591]

@@anayarey I think that Kamila messed up in her program because of all that pressure on her with negative reports from countries around the world and people being angry she was competing with the doping charges. How could any 15 year old handle that?

[@nuclearwessels2078]

Johnny Weir has praised Eteri during his commentary in the past when she is well known for malnourishing and overworking her athletes. He is a sellout.

[@kimbo30kh]

Her so called team has failed her!! This is me of the worst things I have ever seen!

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

How messed up is it that a child abuser gets to have so much power in figure skating just because she squeezes gold medals out of overworked children and knows which palms to grease?

[@KellySmith-gp9tq]

The Soviet contingency needs to be further penalized for continuing their "doping". Using a loophole for athletes under 16 cannot be suspended from participating in a competition and a unproven (unbelievable) explanation for the presence of the banded drug in her system and test sample. I am a pharmacy tech and I use to collect drug screen samples for labs. There is no way that "sharing" eating and drinking utensils would lead to her getting the drug in her system. The pills do not dissolve enough in the mouth when taken to register in a urine/blood sample of a second hand user of the medicated person's items. There are quantitative tests that can be done to test how much of the "drugs" are in the testee's system. They do quick qualitative testing that just gives a positive or negative result. The quant will say where the amount found in her system and if it is in the "therapeutic" range for a female for her age, weight and height. If it is way low, than she may have accidentally taken the drug or that her handlers started cleaning her out the week before the testing and then the games. If she is in range, then they are lying and she was being doped for performance. Just pathetic. This is in my opinion another form of trafficking of under age male and females and using them in sports for the narcissistic leaders of athletic associations to gain fame and glory.

[@707ladytee]

They did not get into those specifics, naturally. I don't buy any of that! Doesn't make any sense.

[@victoriassazonova]

"Soviet contingency", really Kelly? What does that logic make of you - Native American contingency? Oh, sorry, I forgot: you killed thousands of them and enslaved the rest. Look in the mirror before starting to hate others. Cheers.

[@christinemeleg4535]

Exactly!

[@debvoz]

​@@victoriassazonova I realize you are stretching to find an argument because you know the poster is correct, but this comment is such a perfect example of "whataboutism" that I must compliment you on bringing up a totally unrelated and completely irrelevant point that means absolutely nothing in the context of the discussion. Murdering indigenous populations has absolutely nothing to do with cheating at sports and that you thought to compare them is both pathetic and sickening.

[@victoriassazonova]

@@debvoz your reliazation is wrong. And hate is never right, is it, Debbie?

[@thelmaalmaden8131]

Their only concern is her performance. The coaches of Kamila doesn't even care about her feelings. She needs comfort and love right now , it's very hard for her to compete without a medal even if she is on top of the list of the competition. Heartbreaking!

[@KSfan4ever]

I am a huge fan of Scott's wonderful commentary; he so interesting and insightful. I miss his commentary during competitions very much.

[@MysticHeather]

Me toooooo!!

[@pattydivencenzo6007]

I am ashamed of all these adults who are bullying this 15 year old girl after every one was praising her a month ago! Especially Tara and Johnny!

[@lisafreebairn7736]

Tara and Johnny behaved badly

[@VeeMac]

I disagree about Tara and Johnny behaving badly. They were tactful in not blaming this child for failing the drug test. But how can they cheer her on when she should have been disqualified. Everyone is in their feels because of her age, but if she was 6, 7 years older, would you still feel the same? And what about the other skaters who passed their drug test? What considerations do we give them? All this hoopla distracts from their Olympics dreams. I hope this child fire her coaches. She is very young and can still achieve her pursuit to win an Olympic medal and do it cleanly.

[@19katherine1213]

“Why did you let go after the axel? Why did you give up?” Seriously? You need to ask?

[@judithgrace8359]

I love Scott Hamilton’s compassion and reasoned commentary.

[@Tee19691]

Scott Hamilton talks to much. The man never shuts up during performances, constantly babbling throughout the routines, making excuses when they pop a jump or mess up...like "oh she stubbed her toe last month, this why shy she missed her salchow tonight" the ridiculous excuses and incessant babbling ruined the music and beauty of watching the sport.

[@judithgrace8359]

@@Tee19691 Scott Hamilton didn’t do the skiing commentary at all, it was Tara L. and Johnny W. I don’t know what you were watching but it wasn’t the Olympic Finals. Also there was something wrong with the music for the all the figure skating events. It could barely be heard at all except for one occasion when it came on a little louder.

[@Tee19691]

@@judithgrace8359 You wrote about Scott Hamilton reasoned commentary, I thought he was commenting on a skate program that I had missed. Yes , Thank-you for Johnny Weir and Tara L for letting us enjoy the routines.

[@Sherri1971US]

Scot you are a wonderful fair gentleman. I have always been a fan. But after hearing you answer these questions so honest and caring for this young lady makes me love you more. Good luck to you and your family. You are still the greatest my book.

[@Heather-xz8fk]

Scott Hamilton has been my lifetime hero.

[@TheCandiceWang]

💐💛

[@ruthdepew7212]

Sadly, none of those Russian skaters are likely to ever compete again. All three are just too badly broken.

[@brucewinther6926]

Russia will find newer and younger skaters soon---that is what they do---You fail--you are gone

[@lanagrossman489]

Tara was broken at 15 !! She retired!! Lol

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

@@lanagrossman489 That is not false. She was so determined to win that she trained in a way similarly unhealthy to some of the Russian skaters, repetitive training of jumps, and had to have hip surgery and retire. She wasn't being driven but certainly drove herself to that goal, to the exclusion of all else.

[@MrGenexxx]

@@ileanasantamaria2364 Drove herself huh? How convenient! No she was abused by her horrible coaches and US system. That’s my take on it and you literally can’t prove me wrong.

[@winkieblink7625]

These Russian coaches should be kicked out of the sport. I like Scotts idea to get Kamila out of that coaching staff and bring her to the USA to rebuild and start fresh.

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

Yes I said the same thing in another blog! I'd love to see this.

[@dan_hitchman007]

Putin would have something to say about that. Kamila would have to defect and claim asylum.

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

@@dan_hitchman007 Don't know about that but Scott Hamilton said the same thing! Just read that Evengia Medvedeva,who had issues with the same coach,left and trained in Canada,(forget the coach),came back to Moscow,however,she was chastized for it and was called out for denouncing the Motherland,went through some stress but again went back to Russia! I just hope all will be right with Kamila! But I'm sure Putin would go crazy!!

[@rethacarriere2054]

Exactly. It was so wrong from many aspects of what happened to her.

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

@@rethacarriere2054 Yes Yes!!

[@emcaco]

The coach Tutberidze also teaches skating in a way that her athletes keep getting major injuries and having to stop skating before they reach 25. Not to mention 15 year old girls having their food restricted to keep them from gaining weight and also not being allowed to see their parents.

[@TarotPolitics]

Actually the cutoff age is usually 17!!! That is why Trusova was so upset she knew the end of her career is now, because Tutberidze gets rid of them once they turn 17.

[@kenisme1000]

@@TarotPolitics I was about to say the exact same thing…BEFORE 25????…that’s way too generous of a number…try 18 and that’s already generous…

[@captaincrunch784]

I guess Russia doesn't have Safe Sport or chaperones.

[@pyrovania]

This seems a lot like the old Soviet/Communist system. Take the kids away from their parents early, send them to live in the training facility, restrict the food. This produced some fine skaters and gymnasts but it is a bit harsh and maybe not necessary.

[@afeast4crows]

This is criminal. This woman should be in jail. She’s been treating these girls like they are disposable for years.

[@biscuitsmcgravy394]

Kamila is an example of the Russian tragedy and the environment that Vladimir Putin has created.

[@rodolfohilliard1656]

I disagree. This has always been russia. Screw her coach, putin, and the olympics. Drinking from a cup that another had leads to a positive test. Total bs.

[@alexjwebabou]

The environment was there before him. He is its product, not creator.

[@angelabarnes7588]

Really? Because I have memories of Russian doping, and East Germany doping, going way back in the 1970's. It was a running joke (crass as it was) about Russia & Germany sending men instead of women, because they were so masculine. Turns out, they were giving them hormone treatments & steroids. Kamila is the LATEST example of Russian Tragedy, and the environment, while not created by Putin, is being perpetuated by Putin. Putin, ex KGB, trying to re-create USSR.

[@lilchicklets]

This was Russia looooooong before Putin.

[@LeCharles07]

@@angelabarnes7588 Yeah, I have no idea why Russia is even allowed to compete.

[@dianaknox7426]

Valieva needs to defect from Russia, such a talent. She needs to get away from her coaching staff.

[@Voyager759]

Absolutely... preferable to the US and get some advice from another junkie like Simone Biles 😉

[@TheCandiceWang]

Love you, Scott! You're forever an embodiment of what a humble, decent, wholesome American looks like! Stay this way, and I know you will 🙏❤️😊💛

[@pepzoe1298]

I really despise her coach, WTF. My heart went out to this poor girl!

[@ciara4087]

Oh, the entire figure skating community despises Eteri as well. She shouldn't be allowed to train athletes until she can prove that her training gives them longevity.

[@jenniferkim4881]

Does anyone else think Valieva was forced to throw the match so that the others in ROC could do the medal ceremony?

[@janechoy2073]

1. change the scoring system. it's 20 yrs old now and judges have learned to cheat using the PCS scores. This is a huge reason why the russian female skaters are scoring so highly in recent years even though everyone can see that their fundamentals like edge works and rotations are so deficient. This feeds back into the training system to keep producing younger and younger skaters with these fancy difficult elements built on deficient fundamentals. 2. remove the "protected person" clause. If you're old enough to qualify for the Olympics, you are old enough to be subject to the same rules as everyone. 3. hold Eteri Tutberidze accountable for.... mistreatment.... of underage skaters, and doping allegations. Investigate Sambo 70

[@angieortizurena3327]

Valieva was getting 9,5 or 10s on PCs, she never has less than a total of 75. But yesterday she got 70 and 8s. I mean, she has been skating that program for almost 2 years and suddenly her transitions, skating skills, composition an interpretation fell so low? The only component of PCs that could have been badly scored was performance. On the other hand, that disgrace of technical skills that’s your Gold winner got the medal cause her PCs were overinflated besides her GOEs.

[@lanagrossman489]

Tara won Olympic gold at 15 !! It is ok because Gold for America ?????

[@StanJamrog]

She was also clean, and get coaches cared about her emotional well being. She wasn't treated like a soldier sent to win glory for her country

[@luannnelson2825]

@@lanagrossman489 totally different thing. She did NOT have a bad drug test.

[@kcuzz4091]

She's really still a child and I can't understand why her coach didn't try to comfort her.

[@TheWorld_2099]

To understand that, you’d need to talk to the coach’s psychologist. She seems harsh and pushy.

[@AT-jm4dl]

Not every adult feels like she had to coddle a child. I mean it looks rough to most Americans, because Americans in general are very touchy and feel-y, but Eteri doesn't appear to be that type of person. I don't think it's wrong or right. Everyone reacts differently. There shouldn't only be one acceptable PC way to react.

[@warriordragonify]

Coach probably lost a Bonus check...

[@xxwhispersxx2856]

She did a bit when they were in the Kiss and Cry.

[@elloco1996]

Thomas Bach's hypocrisy is repulsive ... if he had ANY decency at all the Russian coach would have been kicked straight out of the stadium.

[@khubza8999]

ALL OF THEM ARE HYPOCRITES

[@gillianrosheuvel6750]

Given his ongoing disregard for athletes' well being, his words ring very hollow.

[@jleigh4886]

Don't we love Scott Hamilton? He continues to bless the world and ice skating

[@Tonimaroni2BeKindToAnimals]

I competed in the same circle of Scott. But stopped at 14. I agree with everything he said. Proud of you!

[@Tonimaroni2BeKindToAnimals]

@Peter Angles yes

[@superclaymaster]

We don’t have any room in the us to criticize other countries for putting pressure on young elites.

[@einherjar8585]

Abuse... she's a minor. Where are the adults in the room?

[@angelea2184]

They are numb skull bullies.

[@MrUkielover]

The adults were at the Pharmacy picking up medications

[@dan_hitchman007]

Drinking vodka and making money.

[@jabulanicharlesshabalala3910]

She's surrounded by scoundrels....she needs a break from the chemists who will ruin her career. Talented.

[@DE-xt7jv]

... And her body

[@emallace447]

I couldn't help but notice the symbolism of the big fat gold watch her coach was wearing front and center in the frame as he performatively patted her head as she sobbed while receiving her score. It said SO much. These people are in the business of churning out young female skaters for profit. That's very obviously what it is about.

[@jchambers5668]

As a older fan, seeing beautiful Russian skating for decades, it would be a great tragedy to not see them at the Olympics. I agree with Scott, no Russia equals a lower standard of competition. Remember all the great skaters of the past, who did not take any med considered doping. Respect their achievements.

[@sophiasummers1637]

I agree with Mark on everything except Alexandra Trusova having a tamptrum. We do not know what coach Cruella promised or told her. She also is the only person on the planet who can do 5 quads in a program and she is only 17.

[@deirdrekiely6187]

It's TANTRUM, not tamptrum. Trusova showed very poor sportsmanship in her behavior after the results were final. Screaming and getting super-angry was very immature. She landed a lot of quads but the rest of her skating is pure sh*t. No artistry, no skating skills.