The return of coach Eteri Tutberidze to the Olympic stage has sparked renewed controversy within the realm of anti-doping enforcement. Tutberidze, who was at the center of the scandal involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva during the 2022 Beijing Games, is now accredited under Georgia as the coach for reigning European champion Nika Egadze. This development has raised concerns for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president, Witold Bańka.
In a press conference held on Thursday in Milan, Bańka commented on Tutberidze’s presence at the Winter Olympics. He emphasized that WADA did not make the decision regarding her participation, stating, “The investigation found no evidence that this person engaged in doping, so there is no legal basis to exclude her.” Despite this, Bańka expressed his personal discomfort, saying, “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 involvement brings to the forefront the complexities surrounding Valieva’s doping case from 2022. The then-15-year-old skater tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, which ultimately led to the disqualification of the Russian team from securing the gold medal in the figure skating event, with the United States being awarded first place instead. Notably, Tutberidze has not faced any sanctions nor has she been held accountable for the doping incident.
The issue of doping among minors continues to be a significant concern for WADA. James Fitzgerald, a WADA official, stated, “The doping of minors is unforgivable. Doctors, coaches, or other support personnel who are found to have provided performance-enhancing drugs to minors should face the full force of the World Anti-Doping Code.” Fitzgerald also mentioned that WADA is advocating for legislation that would classify doping offenses involving minors as criminal acts.
Investigations into Valieva’s support team revealed that geopolitical restrictions hindered WADA’s ability to investigate in Russia at the time. Consequently, WADA supervised an investigation led by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA). Fitzgerald noted, “There was not enough evidence against any member of the entourage to warrant an anti-doping rule violation being asserted, but it remains our position that while Kamila Valieva faced the consequences alone, we don’t believe a 15-year-old skater is likely to be taking prohibited substances without assistance from someone.”
Valieva’s ban expired in December 2022, and she made her competitive return last month. However, she is not participating in the ongoing Milan Cortina Games. The Georgian Figure Skating Association has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Tutberidze’s involvement.
In 2024, WADA’s Intelligence and Investigations Department released a report titled “Operation Refuge,” which investigated doping among young athletes. Fitzgerald remarked that the investigation highlighted the severe trauma and isolation faced by minors who test positive for prohibited substances, along with the challenges their families encounter. Following the findings, the updated anti-doping code and standards, approved in December 2025, reinforce the agency’s opposition to doping among children and emphasize the protection of athletes’ rights, particularly for minors.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Tutberidze’s presence at the Winter Olympics underscores the challenges the sports world faces in addressing doping effectively, particularly when it involves young athletes.
