WADA investigates systemic doping in Russian swimming

Matt McGeehan 04:19 24/03/2016
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  • Under scrutiny: Russia's swimmers.

    The World Anti-Doping Agency is to investigate allegations of systemic doping in Russian swimming.

    WADA will examine the independent report it commissioned which revealed systemic performance-enhancing drugs-use in Russian athletics before deciding whether to widen the inquiry.

    It will look for corroborating evidence and whether there is new material in swimming before determining the level of investigation.

    Russian athletes are currently suspended by the IAAF, athletics’ world governing body, and a report in The Times on Wednesday alleged systemic doping was taking place in Russian swimming – something WADA plans to investigate.

    WADA president Craig Reedie said: “There is no doubt that today’s disturbing assertions of orchestrated doping in Russian swimming should be scrutinised.

    “WADA and its partners are under no illusions about the challenges facing sport’s integrity today. Clean athletes are justifiably concerned that their rights are being eroded through the minority that choose to dope in sport.

    “As a result of information and evidence collected, WADA will make an informed decision as to what form of inquiry is needed.”

    WADA expressed “concern” following the allegations which “arrive at a time when trust in clean sport is already in a perilous state”.

    Russia’s track and field athletes could miss August’s Olympics in Rio following the WADA independent commission report into athlet- ics, which prompted their suspen- sion by the IAAF.

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