05.20.16

Sullivan Urges Ban of Russian Team from Rio Olympics Pending Doping Investigation

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today wrote International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach expressing concern over recent reports that the Russian government – including President Vladimir Putin – endorsed a widespread doping program over several past Olympic Games and a variety of sporting events. Sullivan holds the seat of the late Senator Ted Stevens who was responsible for 1978 legislation that established the U.S. Olympic Committee. Sullivan called on the IOC, pending the results of an investigation, to ban the Russian team from competing in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“For more than a century, the Olympic Games have been recognized as the world’s premier setting for the most exceptional and well-trained athletes from a variety of sports to compete on the same stage, with fair and consistent standards, ultimately recognizing the best for their achievements,” Senator Sullivan wrote. “However, due to recent allegations of a widespread doping program employed by the Russian Federation, allegedly at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, I believe that both the confidence in the competitive process and the spirit of respect among nations are being increasingly undermined.”

Last November, the World Anti-Doping Agency revoked the accreditation of Russia’s main drug testing lab leading to the suspension of Russia’s track and field federation from international competition. The agency has since been conducting an investigation into a larger Russian doping program across a number of sports.

“Once the World Anti-Doping Agency’s investigation is complete, it is incumbent on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to act swiftly and send a strong message that violations of the rules of the Games will not be tolerated. The IOC’s response will determine whether and to what degree the confidence of our athletes can be restored,” Senator Sullivan wrote.

Senator Sullivan also asked the IOC to investigate how Russia’s alleged doping program may have impacted past competitions, and if found guilty, revoke athlete medals for past violations.

Senator Sullivan concluded, “To restore confidence in the Games, past violations should also be dealt with by revoking any medals awarded to athletes found in violation of the IOC’s rules, and properly recognizing the competitors who rightfully earned those medals. Athletes who have devoted their lives to this competition deserve nothing less.”

To read the full letter from Senator Sullivan to IOC President Bach, CLICK HERE.

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