Global Athlete Start-Up Group Statement on WADA decision not to enforce strongest possible sanctions on Russia

Compartir
Compartir articulo

9 December 2019: Today the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has robbed athletes worldwide of their right to clean sport due to their inability to enforce the strongest possible sanctions on Russia. Strong sanctions which would include a complete ban of Russia and Russian athletes at all international competitions including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Russia carried out one of the biggest anti-doping frauds of this century and WADA, who promised in September 2018 to enforce the strongest sanctions, has shown it is simply a lapdog of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

If there has ever been a time to press the WADA reset button to start over, it is now. WADA’s lack of independence and inability to enforce the highest possible sanctions on Russia reinforces that the Agency is not fit for purpose. Russia has played WADA like fools and while doing so has undermined the integrity of sport. Athletes need a strong independent WADA and that is not the WADA we have today.

It is clear to athletes and the public that WADA is prioritizing the interests of the IOC. From day one the IOC has been lenient and has continued to give Russia their ‘get out of free jail card’. If Russia’s institutionalized doping did not merit the highest sanction from WADA, nothing will. WADA had the power but lacked the courage to use that power; likely in fear of repeated retribution by the IOC that was experienced during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games for recommending a complete ban of Russia.

With today’s decision it is highly predictable that Russia will appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS), another organization within the Olympic Movement that lacks independence. If Russia does appeal, CAS can show it is committed to upholding the rule of law by enforcing the highest possible sanction; which is a complete ban of Russia and its athletes.

Athletes have been let down time and time again. Actions have shown that international sport and anti-doping leaders are not prepared to protect the rights of athletes. The only way change will occur is when athletes take a stand. Every athlete has a platform, whether it be on social media, international events or at the Olympic and Paralympic Games to express their opinions freely. We encourage all athletes to use their voice because freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and sporting rules for unpaid workers cannot trump basic human rights.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only

Recent Articles

The Friendship Games organized against Russia against the IOC will have the participation of 70 countries

The World Friendship Games (WFG) will feature competitions in 36 sports and will award 283 medals to the winners. The Russian Government announced that a press conference will soon be held to present them with more details and clarified that the invitations to participate are addressed to athletes and not to countries.
The Friendship Games organized against Russia against the IOC will have the participation of 70 countries

Clues about the pebetero: it will not be in the stadium but in the middle of Paris and in public view

From France, information indicates that the site chosen for the Olympic fire to be lit since July 26 would be the emblematic Tuileries Garden. Official sources did not confirm the fact, but they recognize the idea that it is located in the heart of Paris and in full view of fans.
Clues about the pebetero: it will not be in the stadium but in the middle of Paris and in public view

Nearly a thousand boats will welcome the torch in France

The parade in the Mediterranean will be minutes before disembarkation at the Old Port of Marseille; they must meet certain requirements and apply to participate.
Nearly a thousand boats will welcome the torch in France

France says it will “be ready” to ensure safety at the Olympic Games while raising the alert level

The attack in Moscow threatened the whole of Europe and security in Paris is once again in the spotlight, just four months after the parade of delegations on the Seine River.
France says it will “be ready” to ensure safety at the Olympic Games while raising the alert level

Will Paris 2024 have its red carpet?

Although all the expectations for July 26 are set on an opening ceremony that promises to be extraordinary, it is likely that, in the hour before the party, the world will attend a parade of luminaries from sports, arts and entertainment.
Will Paris 2024 have its red carpet?