On Wednesday, USA Swimming’s Athletes’ Committee released a statement on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s plan to accelerate Russia’s reinstatement, saying, “it is our future, our sport, and our responsibility to demand that the rules are enforced.”
The International Paralympic Committee last week had urged the Russian authorities and WADA to increase their efforts to resolve the ongoing stalemate regarding the reinstatement of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).
RUSADA is currently on a three year doping suspension by WADA. Earlier in the year, the Russian Olympic Committee’s ban was lifted by the International Olympic Committee.
USA Swimming Athletes’ Committee Statement:
COLORADO SPRINGS – The USA Swimming Athletes’ Committee has consistently expressed that clean sport is the cornerstone of competitive excellence in sport. In recognition of our unwavering position, we stand with fellow athletes worldwide in support of clean sport and insist that the World Anti-Doping Agency Executive Committee vote to hold their original course on the plan for reinstatement of Russia.
WADA took clear, decisive action, instituting a clear roadmap by which Russia can achieve reinstatement. To accelerate the reinstatement process before all of the conditions are met is capitulation.
The rules are clear; they exist to ensure that clean sport is achieved in an independent, fair, and justified manner. It is our future, our sport, and our responsibility to demand that the rules are enforced.
We insist that WADA stands with us – athletes who cherish and uphold the fundamental principles of the Olympic movement: spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play – as we stand together with athletes around the world, in urging WADA to hold the line on the Russia Roadmap.
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