Russian Federation ‘ready to rebuild’ anti-doping system

Russia’s anti-doping agency (RUSADA) was suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), raising the possibility of Russian track stars being barred from the Olympics if the country does not fall back into line with accepted worldwide rules.

“As far as the Russian anti-doping agency is concerned it’s a matter again of making sure that it operates independently of the government of Russia, even though it will be funded by it”.

WADA last week published an independent panel report which uncovered a vast state-sponsored doping program in Russian track and field, plunging athletics into the biggest crisis in its history.

However, the door has been left open for reinstatement if Russian Federation enacts immediate reforms. This was announced by the World Anti-Doping Agency with during their meeting in Colorado Springs. “Nobody has turned around and said “By the way, this is how we are going to pay for it”. “It’s the first time we’ve ever acted in this manner”. “There was testimony in (the report) of what is going on in Russian Federation is beyond track and field”.

“The way I read the report, the testing that took place (at the Olympics) in Sochi is, at least suspect, and perhaps completely worthless”, Cobb said.

On Wednesday, though, WADA’s focus will be on the Russian anti-doping lab (RUSADA), which is expected to be suspended during the Foundation Board meeting.

Craig Reedie, WADA’s president, said for starters Russian will have to find a new roster of WADA-approved testers and scientists to manage the anti-doping testing program.

“I had many close friends who had irreplaceable moments stolen from them”, said Moses, referring to the drug-tainted era of the 1970s and 1980s in which he competed. “WADA’s budget is, I don’t think, large enough to do what it needs to do”.

The 38-member board also found Andorra, Israel, Argentina, Bolivia and Ukraine immediately non-compliant, while Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Mexico and Spain were added to the non-compliance “watch list”, meaning they are now non-compliant but have pledged to adhere to the WADA code by March 18, 2016. “We are long beyond the “he said, she said” days”. “But never would I have thought that high-level officers of IAAF would be close to being indicted with a money trail for extorting athletes to get rid of positive drug tests”.

Despite such promises, Edwin Moses, the former champion hurdler who is the chairman of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, said athletes are “demanding clear and decisive action”.

The head of Kenya’s Olympic committee, Kipchoge Keino, has accused his government of complacency.