From Inside the Games
Grigory Rodchenkov has welcomed the introduction of a bill named after him in the House of Representatives which would establish criminal penalties for doping offences affecting US athletes and companies at international sports competitions.
The former Moscow Laboratory director fled Russia in 2015 and provided much of the evidence that led to the country being banned from competing under their own flag at the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang in February.
It is claimed that the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act (RADA) would establish criminal penalties for knowingly manufacturing, distributing and using performance-enhancing drugs.
This would apply to all major international competitions in which US athletes or organisations participate, with the aim of ensuring “international fraud” against Americans will not go unpunished.
The bill states that penalties will include fines of up to $1 million (£750,000/€850,000) or imprisonment of up to 10 years, depending on the offence.
A further part of the act would see the establishment of a private civil right of action for doping fraud.
“It is both gratifying and humbling to see the introduction of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act in the House of Representatives today,” said Rodchenkov.
“I would like to thank Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Michael Burgess, and the rest of the Helsinki Commission for taking the time to hear about my role in the Russian doping scandal that marred the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
“Although doping continues to pervade international athletic competitions, I am encouraged that the US Congress has chosen to protect clean athletes and fair sport.
“This bill stands to correct a broken and corrupt system, and I sincerely hope that other Members of Congress will support this endeavour.”
