Share

US anti-doping head denounces lifting of Russia ban

Washington - The head of the US Anti-Doping Agency on Thursday denounced the decision to lift the ban on Russia's anti-doping agency, calling it "bewildering and inexplicable."

READ: WADA lifts ban on Russian anti-doping agency

"Today marked the biggest decision in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)'s history, and it delivered a devastating blow to the world's clean athletes," said Travis Tygart, the chief executive of the US Anti-Doping Agency.

"By ripping up the very 'Roadmap' it created, WADA's decision to reinstate Russia despite the nation not having met the two remaining Roadmap conditions is bewildering and inexplicable," Tygart said in a statement.

"WADA sent one clear message to the world: we put the wishes of a small handful of sports administrators above the rights of millions of clean athletes and the dreams of billions of sports fans," he said.

WADA's decision to lift the ban on Russia's anti-doping agency, taken at a meeting of its executive committee in the Seychelles, paves the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports.

WADA president Craig Reedie said the move "provides a clear timeline by which WADA must be given access to the former Moscow laboratory data and samples."

He said that if the commitment was not met, WADA would reinstate the ban on the Russian anti-doping agency.

Tygart said WADA's move ran contrary to the demands of the world's "clean athletes" and showed the need for reform of the agency.

"The road to the new, stronger WADA must start now," he said. "And let's be clear: absolutely nothing will be off the table for how we, the anti-doping community, begin the work of reforming WADA."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE