Russia to probe claims by TV documentary
Print Edition
THE Russian Anti-Doping Agency has launched an investigation into claims of corruption and systematic doping in the country and within its own ranks.
German television channel ARD broadcast a 60-minute documentary “Secret Doping Dossier: How Russia produces its Winners” in which former RUSADA official Vitaly Stepanov accused the agency of routinely covering up positive doping tests by leading Russian athletes in a variety of sports.
He also said the head of the national anti-doping laboratory had sold banned substances and falsified tests.
“RUSADA is starting its own investigation in relation to those involved in the film and the information presented by them,” the anti-doping agency said in a statement yesterday.
The aim of the investigation is to “check the facts presented,” the agency said, without giving any further details.
ARD also appeared to show reigning Olympic 800-meter champion Maria Savinova admitting to using the banned steroid oxandrolone, and ARD and French sports daily L’Equipe reported that three-time Chicago Marathon winner Liliya Shobukhova paid 450,000 euros (US$600,000) to avoid a doping ban. Shobukhova was eventually banned for doping and she said some of the money was refunded.
On Thursday, RUSADA executive director Nikita Kamaev said he was highly skeptical of the claims and would take no immediate action.
RUSADA and the national laboratory are funded and overseen by the Russian government.
In a statement published on its website, the World’s Anti-Doping Agency WADA promised to “ensure that all matters raised are fully investigated”.
Russia has seen a string of doping scandals in recent years, including the banning of Olympic race-walking champion Yulia Lashmanova for two years in June.
The director of the center where Lashmanova trained was banned by RUSADA for four years last month following an investigation into repeated doping violations by athletes there.
At least 17 athletes from the center have been found guilty of doping offenses.
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