Renowned Soviet coach Tatyana Tarasova recently commented on the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) indication of potentially awarding bronze medals to Russian athletes for their performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics held in Beijing. Following the controversy surrounding the disqualification of Kamila Valieva due to doping violations, which altered the standings of the team event, Tarasova expressed her thoughts on the situation.
Initially, the Russian figure skating team had clinched gold during the competition. Nonetheless, Valieva's doping scandal prompted the IOC to revise the results, releging Russia to third place behind the United States and Japan. "Что мы получим, если не будем мириться с бронзой за командник на Олимпиаде? Надо принять ситуацию" (What will we gain if we don’t accept the bronze medal for the team event at the Olympics? We must accept the situation), Tarasova remarked during her conversation with Sport24.
Tarasova underscored the importance of accepting the current standing rather than contesting it. She stated, "Считаю, если такое решение принято, что мы вообще можем получить свои медали, то надо принять ситуацию. Что от того, что мы не будем мириться с бронзой! Что мы получим? Ничего или дисквалификацию. И я не вижу, чтобы кто-то из спортсменов был с этим не согласен" (I believe if such a decision is made, and we can actually get our medals, we must accept the situation. What will we gain from not being content with the bronze? Nothing or disqualification. And I don’t see anyone among the athletes disagreeing with this).
The discussion arose as media outlets, including Sport24, reported on the prospect of Russian athletes Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova being awarded gold and silver medals at the 2022 European Championships after Valieva's result was voided due to doping sanctions.
Tarasova highlighted the futility of resisting the outcome, stating, "If we’re facing this current situation, it’s best to accept it as is. There’s nothing to gain from not reconciling with the bronze – at the end of the day, it’s still recognition of our athletes’ skills."
Her comments have sparked dialogue around the future of Russian figure skating, including the planned medal ceremony during upcoming competitions. There's speculation about the timing and location, with Tarasova indicating the possibility of Shcherbakova and Trusova receiving their medals at the Russian Championships slated for later this year. She mentioned, "У нас еще скоро будет чемпионат России в Омске, могли бы там вручить... Главное — что сама ситуация вокруг них не неприятная, а просто ужасная" (We also have the Russian Championships coming up soon, where they could be awarded... The main thing is the situation surrounding them isn’t just unpleasant but truly terrible).
Despite her concern over the athletes' schedules, which might prevent them from attending the ceremony, Tarasova remained optimistic about their eventual recognition. "Официальное награждение может быть только на соревнованиях, я другого места не вижу" (Official awards can only be at competitions; I see no other locations), she concluded.
Throughout the interview, Tarasova conveyed her disappointment over the circumstances leading to the medal reshuffling, yet emphasized adaptability to the new reality within the sport. Her acceptance reflects both the resiliency expected from athletes and the need for sports governing bodies to reassess their policies moving forward.
Indeed, amid the upheaval, her firm stance provides reassurance to fans and fellow athletes alike, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and acceptance over conflict and discontent.
