From Inside the Games

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Committee chairperson Beckie Scott and Education Committee head Edwin Moses have declined to participate in a wider investigation into alleged bullying after claiming the process was “fatally flawed”.

Lawyers for Scott and Moses said the WADA probe “lacked transparency and independence” and was “akin to a kangaroo court” in a letter to the anti-doping watchdog.

Olympic cross-country skiing gold medallist Scott and Moses, a double Olympic champion in the 400 metres hurdles, will not conduct interviews with investigators as a result.

In response, WADA said it was “unfortunate they have refused to cooperate with the very process they themselves called for” and said their refusal to explain their perspective was “regrettable and unusual”.

The investigation was launched after an initial inquiry had concluded the alleged bullying of Canadian Scott by WADA Executive Committee members at a fractious meeting in the Seychelles in September – where the Russian Anti-Doping Agency was controversially reinstated – had not taken place.

But WADA said a second phase of the inquiry, including interviewing those present at the meeting, would be held owing to the “seriousness” of the accusations made.

Moses had also raised concerns and claimed he had been subjected to similar treatment to Scott.

Brown Rudnick, hired by Scott and Moses, claim there is a “clear conflict of interest” as the company leading the investigation – Covington & Burling LLP – has a “long-standing client relationship with WADA”.

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