The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has called on world anti-doping leaders to unite as one voice in the campaign for clean sport following the decision of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to allow the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be reinstated.
Chief Executive of ASADA, David Sharpe said he was supportive of Russia returning to international competition but not at any cost and only when it had met the conditions originally put forward for its reinstatement.
Mr Sharpe said ASADA was a signatory to a statement issued prior to the meeting of the WADA executive which overturned the ban, calling on the world body to postpone voting on RUSADA’s return until it had fully complied with the roadmap.
“More than ever, athletes need to be reassured that the focus of anti-doping agencies such as ASADA remained, ensuring there is a level playing field,” Mr Sharpe said.
He said the WADA decision strengthened ASADA’s commitment in the pursuit of clean, fair sport.
“ASADA is committed to working internationally with its national anti-doping partners to close the gap and strengthen their programs,” Mr Sharpe said.
He said sport administrators must remember that sport was about the athletes and the fans.
“Leaders such as Canadian anti-doping activist Beckie Scott have given athletes a voice to express their concerns and it is vital that her views be taken into account.”
He said he was concerned about the impact the decision would have on athletes’ confidence in the global anti-doping system.
“Today athletes have every right to feel the system has failed them.”
