Lifting Russian Doping Ban 'Would Be A Catastrophe,' Rodchenkov Says

Grigory Rodchenkov opposes the reinstatement of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency.GETTY IMAGES

Doping whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov said that lifting the suspension of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) would be "catastrophic," according to the BBC. WADA's exec committee is "expected to end a three-year suspension" of RUSADA when it meets on Thursday. The move has been criticized by athletes, anti-doping bodies and WADA VP Linda Helleland. Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow's anti-doping laboratory, fled Russia in late '15 "with detailed evidence of the far-reaching state-sponsored doping regime he masterminded." He said, "It is clear that any decision by WADA to reinstate RUSADA -- which would then be followed by the reinstatement of the Moscow Laboratory -- would be a catastrophe for Olympic sport ideals, the fight against doping and the protection of clean athletes" (BBC, 9/19).