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. Already, WADA has requested Kenya answer questions about its nascent anti-doping program, but outgoing director general David Howman said he was encouraged by media reports that the country’s cabinet had adopted rules about it. WADA is also considering whether it should expand protections for whistleblowers.
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In an interview with the Associated Press, the CEO of US Biathlon, Max Cobb, said that last week’s independent commission report, which uncovered evidence of widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in Russian athletics and allegations of corruption and collusion by Russian and IAAF officials, had also raised issues with testing in Sochi.
The worldwide Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has announced the team tasked with overseeing the reform of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF), following Friday’s provisional suspension of Russian track and field athletes from global competition.
“That’s our position and we’ll keep strongly to that”, he said.
WADA discovered a “deeply rooted culture of cheating at all levels”, Pound said, including involvement of the FSB, the federal “security agency” (formerly the KGB) once directed by Putin.
Pound, meanwhile, said the successful uncovering of the Russian Federation scandal showed WADA could be given greater powers to launch investigations across the world in future, describing his probe as a “turning point”.
“They can be involved, of course”, Cobb said. And if thats your method of coaching, dont let the door hit your butt on the way out..
Pound called Russias initial reaction to the report negative, but has noticed a change of tone since.
Zhukov dismissed suggestions from a few Russian athletes and officials that Russia’s track team could compete at the Olympics under the IOC or Russian Olympic Committee flag as a compromise solution, which would likely mean their results would not count toward Russia’s standing in the medals table. In a single case, a Winter Olympian sent a letter to a WADA representative Tues. asking for a more thorough look in to Russian sports.
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Theyve got to bite the bullet and go full speed ahead to get all this stuff done in time for Rio, Pound said. “If they start fighting over it, fine, take your time”. All the time you want. But, by the way, youre not going to get to work on your suntan next summer..
