From Inside the Games

Whistleblowing couple Yuliya and Vitaly Stepanov have been provided with a range of support measures by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following a meeting with the organisation’s President Thomas Bach, insidethegames can reveal.

As a result of discussions, former Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) employee Vitaly will be providing a consultancy service to the IOC on all aspects of doping control and the protection of clean athletes.

Middle distance runner Yuliya will also be receiving a scholarship to be used for her training.

The husband and wife duo have taken up residence at an unknown location in the United States due to having to flee Russia after they provided evidence of state-sponsored doping in 2014.

Their allegations, made to German television channel ARD, led directly to an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) investigation, which resulted in Russia being banned in November 2015.

A request has also been made by the IOC to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) for assistance in contacting universities and training facilities.

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