Share

WADA collects 2 200 samples from disgraced Moscow lab: statement

Montreal - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Tuesday it had retrieved 2 262 samples from Moscow's former drug-testing laboratory which will be subjected to further analysis.

WADA said in a statement investigators had collected A and B samples from the former laboratory which were split into 4 524 collection bottles.

The samples had been removed from Moscow for re-testing at a WADA-accredited laboratory outside of Russia.

"WADA Intelligence and Investigations is pleased to be continuing to make progress in this complex and difficult case," WADA investigations director Gunter Younger said.

"These samples will be used to strengthen cases against those who may have cheated and may exonerate athletes who have not committed an anti-doping rule violation."

The removal of the samples comes after WADA investigators retrieved a trove of analytical data from the lab in January.

Younger said the samples removed corresponded to data in the lab's database.

A progress report from the analysis of the information obtained from the laboratory would be sent to WADA's Compliance Review Committee in early May.

An update on the investigation would be presented to WADA's Executive Committee and Foundation Board meeting on May 15-16.

Providing full WADA access to the Moscow lab's data and samples was a key condition of Russia's controversial reinstatement last September following a major scandal over state-sponsored doping.

WADA wants to complete the review of data and samples by June 30 as part of the reinstatement deal, an agreement widely condemned by athletes and organizations worldwide.

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was suspended by WADA in November 2015 after revelations of a vast state-sponsored doping regime stretching back several years and spanning the 2012 Olympics, 2013 World Athletics Championships and 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.

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