From Inside the Games
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Sir Craig Reedie has defended the decision to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) in an open letter published in The Times today.
“Ever since December 2014’s revelations, Russian doping has poisoned sport and its place in the world,” Sir Craig writes.
“Public confidence has been eroded.
“Athletes have been frustrated.
“Parents have been given another reason to forego encouraging their children to practise sport.
“The Russian cheating was more widespread, more sophisticated, more devious and supported by more in Government positions than any other since the creation of our global anti-doping system.
“It tested us to the limit.
“In the storm provoked by this week’s significant step towards resolution, however, it is worth remembering that WADA was the first sports organisation to confront the affair, with two long-running and independent investigations.
“Given Russian cheats denied clean athletes their place in Olympic finals, or chances to stand on a podium in front of a full stadium, it is entirely understandable that clean athletes should feel passionately about the rehabilitation of offending institutions like RUSADA.