Skating on the edge : Kamila Valieva and the systemic exploitation of elite athletes

Abstract

The case of Kamila Valieva, a 15-year-old Russian figure skater who tested positive for a banned substance during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, underscores the vulnerability of youth athletes to coercion, abuse, and systemic neglect. Rather than an individual act of misconduct, Valieva’s doping violation reflects broader structural failures in international sport, where minors are subjected to extreme physical, psychological, and ethical pressures in pursuit of competitive success. This paper critically examines the means through which elite youth athletes are exploited, using Valieva’s case as a focal point to analyze the failures of anti-doping governance, the role of coaches and federations, and the inadequate protections afforded to minors in elite sport. Through philosophical and legal analysis, I investigate the ethical responsibilities of governing bodies and the systemic disregard for athlete welfare. A feminist ethics of care approach will be used to assess how existing policies fail to protect young athletes from harm. Ultimately, this research calls for stronger accountability measures, policy reforms, and a fundamental shift in sports culture to prioritize athlete well-being over competitive success.