Russian figure skating star Kamila Valieva, the 2020 World Junior Champion, has opened up about the unexpected personal growth she experienced during her two-year disqualification from competition. In a recent interview, she revealed that the enforced break coincided with her adolescent development, allowing her to navigate this challenging period away from the intense scrutiny of the sport.
Valieva explained that the initial six months of her suspension were particularly beneficial. A major factor was the removal of the constant pressure associated with daily weigh-ins, a practice she described as a significant trigger for eating disorders and psychological complexes. She emphasized that this is a pervasive and acute issue for many young women in figure skating, one that deserves open conversation.
"I consider that if you need to find positives in everything, you can find them even in a disqualification," Valieva stated. The absence of a strict training schedule and the daily ritual of being weighed gave her mental and physical space to breathe. She acknowledged gaining weight during this period due to hormonal changes and the lack of competitive pressure, but framed it as a necessary part of the process.
Over time, she said her mindset began to normalize. The break allowed her to move beyond the obsessive thinking that can dominate an athlete's life, where minor fluctuations in weight are perceived as catastrophic barriers to performance. She realized the importance of maintaining her physique for her own reasons, not because of external pressure or the fear that an extra 100 or 200 grams would prevent her from jumping or succeeding.
Valieva pointed to the daily weigh-in as a specific "trigger" that reinforces negative self-perception. She argued that constantly reminding athletes of their weight, especially during the natural changes of adolescence, can be counterproductive and harmful. She expressed a desire for at least her home environment to be a safe space, free from comments about diet or body size.
The skater also noted that her experience is not unique. She referenced the journeys of other legendary female figure skaters who all went through similar phases where their bodies changed and faced public criticism. She observed that this difficult period eventually passes, especially once the triggering pressures are removed.
Valieva's reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mental and emotional challenges faced by elite young athletes. Her story highlights the complex relationship between athletic performance, body image, and the systems of measurement and control that are deeply embedded in sports like figure skating.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.