Russian Doping Puts Swimming In Crosshairs

By Steven V. Selthoffer, Swimming World Magazine Chief European Columnist

Köln, GER— German broadcaster ARD has issued a press release regarding the growing doping scandal and naming Russian swimming as one of the sports involved.

The press release translated states: “With a degree of clarity previously never seen, athletes, coaches and other whistleblowers have undermined the reputation of this year’s Olympic and future (FIFA) Football World Cup host Russia before the camera with plenty of evidence.” Russia is also host to the FINA World Swimming Championships set for Kazan in 2015.

(A translated English version can be seen in the link below by Let’s Run).

It went on to say, “Several people involved in Russian sport deliver extensive evidence about State-supported doping and massive corruption and cover ups.”

The press release then revealed “The fact that despite the apparent illegal use of drugs, there are so few positive doping test results, is described by Vitaliy Stepanov: ‘There were times in RUSADA when I heard people from the ministry, from the anti-doping department who would call to RUSADA and wanted to see who the athlete is, who has the positive sample and if it’s a no-name, then the sample is positive. If it is someone famous or someone young and medal-hopeful, then it is a mistake and it is not reported.’ He goes on to say, I clearly could see that officials try to make sure that some athletes are not being tested.’ That applied to athletes in the sports of swimming, cycling, biathlon, athletics, weightlifting and Nordic skiing.”

It is important to note that Vitaliy Stepanov mentions swimming before cycling in his statement. More information about swimming is sure to come.

Russian swimming involved early in the scandal

This is the first mention of swimming in the Russian doping scandal coming on Day 2. The next part will be a multi-faceted revelation phase of the doping scandal- Who are the Russian swimmers who were doping? What coaches were involved? What Russian swimming federation executives? Are there any Russian FINA members involved? Who will approach another NADO to offer information? What deals will be cut? Was Yuliya Efimova, who was stripped of her world records and banned 16 months a part of this system?

Concerns For Russian Swimmers Training In The USA

Russian athletes training in the USA should be advised and to seek consultation and assistance from their coaches, officials and NADO where they are training to protect their name, career and rights.

No one knows what the next days and weeks will bring from Russia.

However, for the athletes it is good to open a channel as an athlete themselves first to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or the national swimming federation to obtain their consultation and advice. Let’s hope the innocent will not have to suffer for the guilty. Our sport and the friendships we have built and share are too good to let this happen.

ARD Press Release in English

USADA Contact Details
Phone number: 719.785.2000
Toll free Phone number: 866.601.2632
Email: usada@usada.org

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