WADA Bans Russia For Four Years

WADA Bans Russia For Four Years

The World Anti-Doping Agency has banned Russia for four years.

Dec 9, 2019 by Kevin Sully
WADA Bans Russia For Four Years

The World Anti-Doping Agency announced on Monday that Russia has been banned from international sport for four years, including the 2020 Olympics and 2022 World Cup.

“Russia was afforded every opportunity to get its house in order and re-join the global anti-doping community for the good of its athletes and of the integrity of sport, but it chose instead to continue in its stance of deception and denial,” said WADA President Sir Craig Reedie.

Russia was banned from track and field at the 2016 Olympics, 2017 World Championships and 2019 World Championships after reports of systemic doping in the country. Certain athletes were permitted to compete as “Authorized Neutral Athletes.” 

At the 2019 World Championships, high jumper Mariya Lasitskene and pole vaulter Anzhelika Sidorova won gold medals as Authorized Neutral Athletes. 

Russia has three weeks to appeal the decision.