Eteri Tutberidze, the figure skating coach whose 'tremendous coldness' drew sharp criticism at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, is back at the Winter Games coaching Georgia's team in Milan-Cortina. The return comes despite the Kamila Valieva doping scandal that rocked the previous Games, when IOC president Thomas Bach described Tutberidze's reaction to Valieva's poor performance as 'chilling to see.'

Tutberidze's presence has sparked controversy among officials and former athletes. While the IOC maintains she has not broken any rules and cannot be banned without evidence, World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka expressed discomfort with her attendance. British Olympic champion Robin Cousins was more direct, stating 'I would not have her anywhere near Milan' given her treatment of Valieva and other skaters.

The 51-year-old coach is officially with Georgia's team, working with Nika Egadze in the team event. Her coaching style was on display as Egadze struggled through error-filled performances, with cameras capturing Tutberidze's stony-faced reactions at rinkside. Despite criticism of her 'cold' demeanor, some skaters describe her as 'very good' and supportive, though Italian skater Daniel Grassl noted she 'can be a little bit cold.'

Tutberidze's return highlights ongoing debates about coaching ethics in elite sports. Her 'method' has produced multiple Olympic medalists but also left several young skaters emotionally devastated after losses. The minimum age for Olympic figure skating competitors was raised to 17 following the Valieva controversy, effectively ending Tutberidze's dominance with teenage prodigies who previously peaked before puberty.

Quick Fact: Tutberidze's skaters have won 11 consecutive Russian national championships.