Eteri Tutberidze, the notorious Russian figure skating coach, has made her return to the Olympic scene, stirring unease and negativity in Italy. She previously gained infamy during the last Winter Olympics in Beijing due to her authoritative demeanor, which unsettled even the then-president of the International Olympic Committee. Despite serious allegations that she was involved in organized doping within Russian figure skating, her presence at the upcoming Olympic Games has reignited concerns among competitors and officials alike.

The memories of Tutberidze's controversial coaching during the last Olympics remain fresh for those who witnessed it. At that time, she was seen guiding Russian prodigy Kamila Valieva, who competed despite a positive doping test looming over her, which later led to her disqualification. The scandal showcased the intense pressures faced by young athletes, particularly when placed under dubious guidance. Critics argue that Tutberidze's methods reflect not just poor sportsmanship but a damaging culture that prioritizes medals over the wellbeing of athletes.

As the upcoming Olympic competitions draw nearer, Italy, as the host country, has expressed significant concerns regarding Tutberidze's influence on the sport and potential ramifications for athletes involved. The negative reactions from various stakeholders indicate a growing awareness around the ethical conduct within competitive sports, especially in light of past doping scandals. Tutberidze's involvement is a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring fair play and safeguarding the integrity of sports at the highest level.