TORONTO—Members of the Canadian sport community are calling a new report that shows evidence of state-sponsored doping in Russian sport “hugely disappointing” and “devastating” for athletes.
The independent investigation, commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and released July 18 in Toronto, found a widespread system of doping that spanned some four years, including during the Sochi Olympics when government officials are alleged to have engaged in sample swapping.
Star kayaker Adam van Koeverden said the scope of authorities’ alleged involvement in the doping program, which according to the investigation includes the Russian Federal Security Service, is “ridiculous.”
“Can you imagine if CSIS was involved in trying to win a water polo tournament, how ridiculous it would seem in Canada?” said the Olympic gold medallist. “Don’t they have better things to do?”
