WADA to Strengthen Testing of Russian Athletes for 2028 LA Olympics
· Sports · Sportstar, BBC Sport
The International Olympic Committee allowed Russian athletes to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, but World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) will keep a close watch on them. WADA Director‑General Olivier Niggli said that because Russia has no accredited anti‑doping laboratory, all samples from Russian competitors will be analysed abroad. The agency also plans to increase the number of tests for any Russian athlete likely to qualify for LA 2028, after an audit of the Russian Anti‑Doping Agency (RUSADA) was deemed impossible because of the war in Ukraine. WADA President Witold Banka added that the ongoing conflict prevents reinstating a national lab in Russia. The stance follows the 2014 Sochi scandal that led to bans on Russia’s flag, anthem and symbols at Tokyo 2021 and Beijing 2022. This vigilant approach is intended to reassure other nations that doping standards will be upheld despite the ban on Russian facilities.
Why it matters
The decision means Russian athletes will face stricter, externally monitored testing ahead of the 2028 Olympics, potentially affecting their eligibility and the credibility of competition for all countries. It also signals that international sports bodies will enforce doping controls even when national infrastructure is unavailable.
Read the original report — Sportstar
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.