Kim Yu-na was also angered by the 'doping scandal' leader, who appeared in the Milan Olympics, 'controversy'... "I'm deplorable that I can't stop it." President WADA's public shooting

*This content was translated by AI.

Coach Eteri Tutberidze, 52, who shocked the world with a doping scandal during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, made a big appearance at the 2026 Milan/Cortina D'Ampezzo Winter Olympics. The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has expressed direct displeasure in public, sparking criticism there.

Global media 'AP News' reported on the 6th (Korea time) that "WADA President Vitolt Vanka strongly criticized Coach Tutberidze's appearance at the Olympics at a press conference in Milan."

To sum up local reports, Tutberidze joined the Georgia national team as a coach for European champion Nika Egaze at the tournament and was issued an official AD card. "I'm not at ease about Tutberidze staying at the Milan Olympics," Vanka said at a press conference.

"It is deplorable that there is no legal basis for preventing this particular person from attending the Olympics because the investigation has not found concrete evidence that he directly participated in the doping process," Vanka said. "If you ask me about my personal feelings, it is certainly uncomfortable for Tutberidze to be on the Olympic stage here."

Tutberidze was at the center of the scandal during the Beijing Games, coaching Camila Valieva, 19. Valieva, who was 15 years old at the time, caused a stir by pushing ahead with her individual participation even after she was confirmed to be positive for trimetazidine, a banned drug.

The incident deprived the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) of its team gold medal, and the U.S. succeeded the gold medal. At that time, Tutberidze could not withstand psychological pressure due to the doping scandal and publicly criticized Valieva, who was sluggish in the game, next to the rink, causing worldwide outrage.

The incident also angered Kim Yu-na. At the time, Kim Yu-na said on her personal social network service (SNS) about Valieva's participation, "A player who violates doping cannot participate in the game. This principle must be followed without exception. All players' efforts and dreams are equally precious," he said, strongly criticizing.

Valieva, the person involved in the incident, did not make it to the Olympics. Valieva made his return through the Russian Jumping Championships in Moscow shortly after the four-year suspension imposed by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) expired in December 2025. However, as the disciplinary period overlapped with the Olympic qualifying period, there was no opportunity to participate in an International Skating Union (ISU) official international competition, and eventually failed to qualify for Milan.

Valieva was also humiliated on his return stage. He made a series of mistakes in the quadruple toe loop jump he tried in the semifinals, such as shaking the landing or banging his hip. In the end, he missed the final ticket given to the top three and ended the competition in sixth place.

On the other hand, Tutberidze, his teacher, returned to the Olympic site indirectly through Georgia. Dianna Davis, daughter of Tutberidze, is representing Georgia in ice dancing, while Adelya Petrosian, a strong favorite in the women's singles, is also coached by Tutberidze.

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*This content was translated by AI.