Share

Russian race walker Bakulin receives 8-year doping ban

Paris - Russian race walker Sergey Bakulin, a former world champion, has been banned for eight years for doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Wednesday.

It was a second doping ban for Bakulin, who is 32, and runs until April 2027. That could mean the end of his career, although he can appeal to the Court of Arbitration in Sport.

The decision is based on anomalies in Bakulin's biological passport between April and June last year.

Bakulin was suspended for three years and two months for a similar offence by the Russian Anti-Doping Association (RUSADA) in January 2015. That ban was strengthend on appeal by the 

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), resulting in Bakulin being stripped of his 2011 50km world title. 

After the suspension of Russia from athletics in November 2015 for state-sponsored doping, Bakulin did not have the neutral athlete status that allowed some of his compatriots to compete in international competitions, such as the Rio Games. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE