She participated in the "Channel One Cup" competition in Saransk over the weekend and competed for "Time of Firsts".

There she met, among others, the Olympic champion Anna Shcherbakova who competed for "Red Machine".

After the short program, Valieva led at 83.63 before Shcherbakova who had 82.90.

Just like in the Olympics, Shcherbakova passed after the free program and won at 176.12 against Valieva's 173.88.

Valieva received a standing ovation after his performances.

- I am so happy that the Channel Cup could be arranged.

It was a wonderful feeling.

It was a packed hall that gave energy when I felt tired, says Valieva to the Russian news agency Tass according to Insidethegames.

The competition was held in parallel with the World Cup in Montpellier, where Russian and Belarusian activists were suspended due to the Russian attack on Ukraine.

The Olympic champion takes a longer break

The strained international situation for Russian athletes has meant that Shcherbakova will take a longer break.

- I will make a decision closer to next season.

The general situation when everything is chaotic affects.

I do not know what awaits us, says 18-year-old Shcherbakova about the future of the sport.

Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimethazidine on December 25, something she claims she received through her grandfather's heart medication.

Due to the covid situation, the sample was not fully analyzed by a lab in Stockholm until February 8 - the day after the Russian team took gold, where Valieva was an important cog, in the Beijing Olympics.

Rusada has been given six months to investigate

The IOC has postponed the distribution of the medals and the Russian anti-doping agency Rusada has had six months to investigate the incident, which means that it may take until August before a decision is made.

If Valieva falls, the Russian team risks being washed.

After a six-hour interrogation by the international arbitration court Cas on 13 February, the big favorite Valieva was allowed to start in the ladies' individual program on 15 February during an investigation, where she made a top effort and took the lead.

In the free program two days later, she had several falls and dropped to fourth place.

Afterwards, she was completely devastated and treated coldly by Russian leaders.