Anti-doping commission delivers damning blow to Russian athletics

An investigation probing into allegations of doping and corruption in Russian athletics confirmed on Monday "the existence of widespread cheating through the use of doping substances and methods to ensure, or enhance the likelihood of, victory for athletes and teams."

Launched by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and carried out by a three-person strong Independent Commission (IC), the investigations look into the doping believed prevalent in Russian athletics as well as other breaches of the World Anti-Doping Code.

"The Independent Commission's Report contains a series of findings that will shock and appal athletes and sports fans worldwide, and indeed many issues that highlight very current deficiencies with the anti-doping system in Russia," WADA President Sir Craig Reedie said in a press conference.

While looking into doping and corrupt practices as well as ineffective administration of anti-doping processes implicating Russia, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and athletes and their entourages, the IC also inspected the Moscow-based accredited laboratory and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).

The IC report established that there was a deep-rooted culture of cheating while also drawing attention to athlete exploitation, especially those who refused to participate in unethical practices.

It also confirmed that many athletes directly participated in unethical behaviour, as indicated by the "consistent and systematic use of performance enhancing drugs by many Russian athletes."

The involvement of doctors, coaches and laboratory personnel was underlined by the Commission which also noted the "intentional and malicious destruction of more than 1,400 samples by Moscow laboratory officials after receiving written notification from WADA to preserve target samples."

The investigation also found proof of corruption and bribery at the highest level within the IAAF, evidence of which has been sent to Interpol.

In light of findings, the Commission recommended that WADA does its utmost to ensure the compliance of all signatories in regulating anti-doping programmes.

It also pushed for the Canada-based NGO founded in 1999 to declare both the WADA-accredited RUSADA and the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) non-compliant.

"While the contents of the Report are deeply disturbing, the investigation is hugely positive for the clean athlete as it contains significant recommendations for how WADA and its partners in the anti-doping community can, and must, take swift corrective action to ensure anti-doping programs of the highest order are in place across the board," Reedie explained, adding that "WADA is fully committed in its role of leading the charge to protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide."

The Commission was called upon by WADA following a documentary aired in December 2014 by German television broadcaster ARD entitled 'The secrets of Doping: How Russia makes its winners?'

While underlining a level of state-influence in its findings, the IC warned that "Russia is not the only country, nor athletics the only sport, facing the problem of orchestrated doping in sport." Endit