The document summarizes the controversy surrounding the banning of the entire Russian track and field team from the 2016 Rio Olympics by the IAAF and WADA due to doping violations. While some Russian athletes and officials were found guilty, the organizations' claim of a systematic, government-run doping program in Russia was not proven with strong evidence. However, they did not level similar accusations against other countries also guilty of doping, such as Turkey, which has political and military ties to NATO countries like the US. This has led some to believe the Russian ban was politically, rather than athletically, motivated due to lingering Cold War tensions.

1. Being an athlete is an exhausting and often times thankless job. All athletes train year round with
the ultimate goal of representing their country in an international event like the Olympic Games.
The Olympics only takes place every four years and it is a long and difficult journey to get there
and compete. As explained by American Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, “In a way, it's kind
of cool if there is a possibility to rewrite history and be up there with the greats of Olympic
history.” Like all other participating countries, the Russian track and field athletes worked
tirelessly to make it to this level of sport. However, these athletes’ dreams were put on pause by
The International Association of Athletics Federations, also known as the IAAF, and WADA, the
World Anti-Doping Agency. After several Russian athletes were found guilty of doping, and a
few doctors were caught tampering with test samples, the IAAF and WADA made the collective
decision to ban the whole Russian track and field team from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
WADA claims that the Russian government is collaborating in a widespread and organized
doping program (Davidson, K.A., Russian Athletes Aren't the Only Cheaters). This information
as well as other accusations were published in the November 2015 WADA Independent
Commission Report. However, WADA’s accusation about government involvement was
published in an official report without significant evidence to support their claim. WADA’s claim
was so serious that it prompted the IAAF to ban the entire Russian track and field team, until
they fix their country’s doping issues and are approved by the organizations before the Olympics
this summer (Davidson). Due to the fact that the accusation was not proven with strong evidence
this is a controversial decision by the IAAF. They are essentially punishing an entire team,
although only a few athletes and some coaches have been proven guilty. This decision has lead
some to believe that their decision to blame the Russian government and ban the track and field
team is politically motivated, and reminiscent of Cold War sentiments (D.R., A cold-war chill).
The IAAF and WADA declaring government involvement could suggest unresolved tension and
resentment towards Russia. Turkey is the country with the second most doping violations,
however, the IAAF avoids geo-political problems with Turkey, suggesting a bias against Russia.
Other countries such as India, Kenya, and the USA are also guilty of doping but have been
overlooked by the IAAF and WADA as a serious problem or threat to sport. The IAAF and

2. WADA have also had corruption within their own organizations, with cover-ups and bribery. The
IAAF and WADA’s practices have been put into question after Russia’s recent doping scandal, as
they avoid accusing Turkey of a government involved system, overlook problems in other doping
countries, and have been found guilty of corruption within their own organization.
Before moving on, it is important to highlight some of the background information that has lead
to the Russian banning and government accusations. WADA has accused the Russian track and
field federation of many doping crimes including, warning athletes before their drug tests,
covering up positive test results and several athletes using banned substances (Davidson). While
these accusations might have been proven true, WADA has also made a large public accusation
that is mostly speculation. According to the report, WADA believes that the Russian government
runs a doping program because they were "inexplicably lax in following up suspicious blood
(and other) profiles” (BBC Athletics, Athletics doping: Russia not the only country involved - Ed
Warner). Russia is not innocent, as a confession was made by a Russian doctor that he destroyed
1417 test samples (Davidson) and some athletes such as marathoner Lilya Shubukhova have
confessed to receiving $500,000 to cover up her own positive test results before the 2012 London
Olympics (Si Wire, Turkey mentioned in upcoming WADA doping report). WADA believes that
government officials were present in Russian testing labs to tamper with results during the Sochi
2014 Olympics (Davidson) and have investigated emails that refer to “the institute” which they
believe is a government run drug lab (D.R.). During the Cold War there was tension between the
USA and NATO members versus Russia. The war consisted mainly of military build up,
espionage, propaganda, proxy-war, and boycotting sporting events such as the 1980 and 1984
Olympics. Therefore, although Russia is guilty of many athletic doping crimes, committed by
specific athletes and doctors, a Russian-run national doping program has yet to be proven.
WADA and the IAAF should not have made a public announcement about this suspected system
until solid evidence was provided. While most of the IAAF and WADA’s focus is on the alleged
Russian doping system they have avoided accusations of the same kind towards Turkey.

3. Aside from being the second highest doping country in the world, best known for blood
manipulation,(Kelner, M, Asli Cakir Alptekin surrenders London Olympic 1500m gold and will
serve an eight-year ban after admitting blood doping). Turkey is currently a geopolitical hotspot.
Specifically, Turkey is a member of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, suggesting
that it has political and military ties with other strong member nations. The USA believes that
Turkey plays a vital role in eliminating the Islamic State threat (Blasina, N, Turkey: A
Geopolitical Hotspot Explained). And due to the actions of ISIS, Turkey is continuing to accept
Syrian refugees into their country (Blasina). It is for these political reasons that the IAAF and
WADA might avoid involving Turkey in the fight against doping in sports. These organizations
might not want to get involved with a country that has many powerful NATO friends, including
the USA. Russia, however, is not a member of NATO. This could suggest that the member
countries have not only an alliance “to safeguard the freedom and security of its members
through political and military means”(NATO, What is NATO?) but to ostracize other nations and
influence organization such as the IAAF and WADA. NATO was established in 1949, two years
after the start of the Cold War (NATO). One of the main reasons that NATO was formed was to
prevent Soviet expansion and protect nations from communist revolutions (NATO). Throughout
the war, tension between the USA and the Soviet Union was fierce and the threat of nuclear war
required both nations to be prepared. Although the Cold War never resulted in nuclear war, the
animosity between the USA and Russia might still be present today. And as a strong member of
NATO, the USA might be protecting Turkey from the heavy investigations and accusations of the
IAAF, to ensure good will with its NATO affiliate. The USA also believes that Turkey is very
important in the fight against ISIS. As a member of NATO, Turkey has agreed to help in the fight
against ISIS, however, their involvement only began after an ISIS bombing in Turkey on
Monday, July 20th, 2015 (Collard, R, Why Turkey Has Finally Declared War on ISIS). It was
after this incident that Turkey decided to allow the USA to use the Incirlik Air Base in southern
Turkey (Nissenbaum, D, Turkey to Let U.S. Military Use Its Base to Launch Strikes Against
Islamic State) for “surveillance and military action” against ISIS (Nissenbaum). The USA is able
to send fighter jets and armed drones to both Syria and Iraq from Turkey’s closely proximate
airbase (Nissenbaum). The USA claims that when necessary, Turkey also has a better equipped

4. and capable military than other US backed anti-ISIS groups (Collard). Aiding the USA in the
fight against ISIS is another reason why the IAAF might not want to get involved in Turkey’s
doping problems, as Turkey is dealing with heavy geopolitical situations right now. The IAAF
and WADA might not want to make the USA’s anti-ISIS partner the centre of an accused
government-run doping scandal, as they did to Russia. As a direct neighbour to Syria, not only is
Turkey a travel route for migrants going to other European countries but it is currently the
world’s largest refugee recipient (Ferris, E, What Turkey's open-door policy means for Syrian
refugees). Turkey is currently the home of almost 2 million Syrian refugees, who have escaped
their home country in fear of terrorists (Blasina). Turkey continues to maintain an open-door
policy for refugees and is in the process of establishing better education systems and legal
employment for new inhabitants.(Ferris) Throughout the world Turkey is seen as a saviour to
many people, who now seek refuge in their country. This good deed, could restrain the IAAF and
WADA from making many accusations against the sports doping situation, and might prevent
them from suspending Turkey’s track and field for suspicion of doping programs. The IAAF
might not want to accuse Turkey out of fear that they will cause world-wide upset by denouncing
the helpful Turkish government of a doping system. Although the IAAF has banned some
Turkish athletes, they have not gone to the extent of accusing Turkey of a government-run
doping system as they did with Russia. Some might say that this is because there is no solid
evidence that Turkey has this system, however, others might believe that it is for political reasons
that the IAAF does not want to get involved in such a popular, geopolitical nation. However,
Turkey is not the only country whose athletes participate in doping, and are overlooked by the
IAAF and WADA.
Since 2015, athletes from over 115 nationalities have been found guilty of doping (De Menezes,
J, Russia doping crisis: Map reveals the worst nations for doping in sport). However, Russia is
the only country that the IAAF and WADA has accused of a government-run doping system.
While most of the organizations’ efforts and attention have been placed on Russia, countries such
as India, Kenya, and the USA have been overlooked. It is possible that WADA and the IAAF do
not think that these countries doping actions have immediate concern. Yet, these three countries

5. have had recent doping crimes and events that would suggest that more anti-doping efforts by the
IAAF and WADA should be taking place. India’s main doping issue concerns, the use of illegal,
performance enhancing drugs by young athletes. Recently many teenagers have been caught
taking illegal pills during domestic track and field events. For instance, nineteen year old Indian
shot-putter, Ankit Dahiya, failed a doping test at a track event in India. If found guilty, she could
face a four year athletic suspension (Singh, N, Doping in Indian athletics: The numbers are
soaring). Another young athlete, named Ketki Sethi, was caught doping during at a national
meet, after being previously banned for doping at a school meet (Singh). As explained by
medical expert, Arun Mendiratta, the “fact that young athletes take pills to win medals even in
low-key meets indicates that the menace is deep-rooted”(Singh). Although the IAAF has
acknowledged and punished these athletes’ crimes, the IAAF and WADA should be very
concerned with India’s current doping situation as it is dangerous for other young athletes'
futures. Rehabilitation and anti-doping education could help discipline young athletes.
Preventative measures should be taken to attempt to stop teenagers from using round about and
illegal means to win medals. There are also many problems concerning Kenyan athletes’ doping.
Since 2011, more than 40 Kenyan track and field athletes have failed drug tests, including Rita
Jeptoo and Lilian Mariita (Roan, D, Athletics doping: Kenya misses Wada deadline). Kenya’s
anti-doping actions have been very slow, and struggle to meet WADA requirements. Many of
Kenya’s doping problems are due to lack of funds and education. For example, unlike most other
countries, Kenya does not have a national anti-doping agency. Without an operational agency,
Kenya’s drug tests are performed by a regional anti-doping organization, supported by WADA.
With Kenya’s limited resources the country was only able to perform 40 drug tests throughout
2015 (Roan). Kenya is also lacking a WADA approved laboratory, and the regional facility
cannot perform blood or urine tests as they lack the equipment. It can be suggested that Kenyan
athletes’ temptation to cheat is so prominent because they lack funding for facilities and money
for education. The IAAF and WADA should focus efforts to support underfunded countries that
struggle with doping, and help improve necessary facilities to create a safer athletic environment.
Rather than focusing on a speculated doping system in Russia, the organizations should focus on
evident doping cases and problems in countries in need of help. The USA is one of the strongest

6. competitors in international sport. Although the USA have functional and organized anti-doping
facilities and measures, there have been many high profile athletes found guilty of doping. One
of the most well-known doping cases was Lance Armstrong, and the organized doping system of
the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team (USADA, U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team
Investigation). Athletes in this organization were knowingly taking illegal performance
enhancing drugs. And several athletes were banned and stripped of titles including, Lance
Armstrong who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and one Olympic bronze metal
(Wilson, J, Lance Armstrong's doping drugs). After the event, CEO of the US Anti-doping
Agency, Travis Tygart said, “Our mission is to protect clean athletes by preserving the integrity
of competition not only for today's athletes but also the athletes of tomorrow.”(Wilson) A more
recent example of a high-profile doping case was Maria Sharapova, US tennis star. She was
found guilty of doping after failing a drug test, done in January 2016 (BBC Tennis, Maria
Sharapova failed drugs test at Australian Open). Recent changes in the WADA illegal
substances list left her unaware of the illegality of the drug use, as she had been taking the drugs
for 10 years prior (USADA). The USA is proof that even countries that are aware and capable of
meeting anti-doping standards have failed to comply and many famous American athletes’
careers have been tarnished from drug use. While, WADA and the IAAF have kept tabs on the
US, convicting some guilty athletes, these examples prove that close attention should be paid to
all countries if the organizations hope to completely eliminate doping in sports. Focusing on a
skeptical theory about a Russian run doping program should be looked into, while also
addressing problems in other countries. By WADA and the IAAF overlooking doping problems
in other countries, focusing only on Russia’s suspected drug system it could suggest specific bias
against Russia, specifically due to the fact that there are other pressing internationally doping
issues. While these organizations should be concerned about doping problems in these countries
they should also be concerned with the transparency and honesty of their own employees and
leaders.
While the IAAF and WADA accuse Russia of a government controlled doping program, the two
organizations are also familiar with corruption within their own institutions. The former

7. president of the IAAF is under bribe investigation, an IAAF senior official is under investigation
for securing bids for the upcoming Olympics, and WADA’s sample collecting practices have
been questioned for scientific accuracy. Currently, Lamine Diack, former IAAF president, is
under investigation by French Interpol for cover-ups and bribe allegations (Lawton, M, Dick
Pound claims IAAF corruption was 'embedded in the organisation' in second report as Lord Coe
suffers another blow). Specifically, they are investigating allegations that Diack took bribes to
cover up and delay sanction for several athletes found guilty of doping in 2011 (BBC Athletics,
Athletics doping scandal: Lamine Diack resigns from IOC role). Interpol is also looking into
media reports claiming that Diack and his son, Papa Massata Diack, a senior IAAF official, may
have helped secure the bids for the Rio 2016 Olympics and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (RFI).
They believe the men might have acted as intermediaries between the Olympic Host Cities and
the International Olympic Committee (RFI). Aside from these two men, three other officials have
been banned from the IAAF for corruption, blackmail and extortion (RFI). Although Diack
resigned from his presidency in November 2015, and his son and the other officials were fired, it
makes the organization look very suspicious. The IAAF has gained new leadership under
Sebastian Coe, former track and field athlete, who is trying to mend the institute’s damaged
reputation. With so much corruption within an important anti-doping establishment any claims or
judgements made could be questioned, including the banning of the whole Russian track and
field team. WADA has also been accused of corruption and poor sample testing practices within
their organization. There are three examples of how their practices have been questioned. The
first is that WADA’s list of banned substances consists of some substances that are included
because of speculation rather than scientific evidence. For example there is no consistent
evidence that suggests that Anabolic Androgenic Steroids directly enhance performance, yet they
are included in the list of banned WADA substances (Jenkins, S, Problems At World Anti-Doping
Agency Will 'Drive Innocent Athletes Out Of Sport). The second point is that sample collections
done by WADA seem to be performed using procedures that ignore basic scientific guidelines. In
one specific example, British runner, Diane Modahl's test results had been compromised as her
urine sample was left at room temperature for over 48 hours (Jenkins). This is a scientific
mistake that should not have been missed, as leaving a sample in these conditions allows bacteria

8. to change the disposition of the sample, which is a fact WADA should be well aware of and
cautious about. The third example is that some substances included on the list do not conform to
typical scientific practices which can confuse coaches and athletes. As Dr Simon Jenkins from
the University of Bath explains, “Athletes are threatened and punished on the basis of the false
premises involved in the inclusion of substances and methods on the WADA banned
list” (Jenkins). The issues that WADA is experiencing within their institution can also suggest
that some conclusions or observations they have made might be incorrect. For instance, the
organization’s accusations of a Russian doping program could be questioned, as any information
or evidence collected could be compromised by poor laboratory practices. It could also suggest a
bias against the Russian team or government, as evidence might have been purposely tampered
with to alter results, in an attempt to convict the country of a national doping system.
The idea for this essay originated as an exposé about doping in sports and the repercussions of
performance enhancing drugs on both the athletes, and the spirit of sport. However, after looking
into the topic, the theme of the Russian track and field banning was introduced. This lead into an
in depth analysis of the causes for this banning, leading to this essay’s bias that the Russian
banning was carried out for political reasons. To support the arguments presented, many sources
were read and analyzed. In total, 28 reputable sources were used, mainly consisting of online
newspaper articles, and reports. Some of these sources include, CNN, Independent, Wall Street
Journal Video, Science Daily, the BBC and many others. These sources were chosen because
they are well-known outlets, presenting information that supports the points of the essay. For
instance, the Wall Street Journal Video provided information about Turkey’s current political
status, and their involvement with the US and ISIS. This information was helpful when forming
the argument that the IAAF and WADA avoid accusing Turkey of a government-run doping
system, to prevent involvement with the country’s strong allies. Research found from the BBC
articles supplied information about Kenya and the US’s current doping issues, athlete convictions
and Lamine Diack’s investigation. This information helped support the argument that the IAAF
and WADA overlook immediate doping problems in other countries while they focus on the
alleged Russian doping system. CNN supplied information about WADA’s poor sample testing

9. practices and how that has affected athletes and countries. This information supported the
argument that there is corruption within the WADA organization, which could suggest
compromised test results and illegitimate accusations against the Russian athletes. The research
process began after the topic of the essay was chosen, the Russian doping scandal. From there
the topic escalated and the final thesis was the IAAF’s practices have been put into question after
Russia’s recent doping scandal, as they avoid accusing Turkey of a government involved system,
overlook problems in other doping countries, and have been found guilty of corruption within
their own organization.
In conclusion, the IAAF and WADA’s practices could be questioned in regard to the Russian
doping scandal. By publicly sharing allegations against a Russian run doping scheme and
subsequently banning the entire Russian track and field team from the Rio 2016 Olympics, the
IAAF and WADA may have exposed a bias against the nation. This suggested bias is
demonstrated through the lack of action towards Turkey’s growing doping issues, a country
which happens to be involved in heated geo-political situations at the moment. The IAAF and
WADA overlooks many other countries such as India, Kenya, and the USA’s doping crimes,
mainly focusing on the suspected Russian doping system, rather than immediate issues
elsewhere. And lastly, both organizations have had corruption and scandal within their own
institutions, suggesting that the allegations against Russia could have tampered evidence. As
international organizations, the IAAF and WADA should be as unbiased and impartial as
possible. There should be no hard feelings or resentment for events in the past. Assuming that the
IAAF and WADA are unbiased, they should attempt to target issues other than a Russian doping
system. Considering there has been no publicly shared, strong evidence proving this claim, it is
strange that the announcement about the alleged system was written in a public report. Banning
the entire Russian track and field team was a major decision, that the IAAF and WADA have not
necessarily supported with enough evidence to be seen as fair. As of May 2016, the Russian track
and field team has been banned from the Olympics until Russia can improve its anti-doping
system standards enough that the IAAF and WADA approve. It is only with their approval that
the team will be reinstated. The decision regarding the team’s eligibility will take place in June

10. 2016, as the dreams of the Russian athletes hang in the balance. The Russian athletes have
worked very hard to earn a chance to represent their country and the verdict will be announced
soon. Eliminating sports doping is no easy task, as the IAAF and WADA must investigate many
situations. However, if it is expected that the use of prohibited substances ends in sport, then it
can also be expected that we learn to forgive and forget, in an attempt to make the world an
impartial home for both athletes and nations.

11. References
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http://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/34774405
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role. Retrieved April 26, 2016, from http://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/34782521
BBC Tennis. (2016, March 8). Maria Sharapova failed drugs test at Australian Open. Retrieved
April 24, 2016, from http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/35750285
Blasina, N. (2015, October 30). Turkey: A Geopolitical Hotspot Explained. Retrieved March 29,
2016, from http://www.wsj.com/video/turkey-a-geopolitical-hotspot-explained/
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Collard, R. (2015, July 24). Why Turkey Has Finally Declared War on ISIS. Retrieved March 29,
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De Menezes, J. (2015, November 10). Russia doping crisis: Map reveals the worst nations for
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Jenkins, S. (2006, February 17). Problems At World Anti-Doping Agency Will 'Drive Innocent
Athletes Out Of Sport' Retrieved April 26, 2016, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/
releases/2006/02/060217091705.htm
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from http://www.globalresearch.ca/smearing-russia-the-privilege-of-exclusive-blame-russian-
athletics-and-the-anti-doping-sports-establishment/5487992

12. Kelner, M. (2015, August 17). Asli Cakir Alptekin surrenders London Olympic 1500m gold and
will serve an eight-year ban after admitting blood doping. Retrieved March 29, 2016,
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surrenders-London-Olympic-1500m-gold-serve-eight-year-ban-admitting-blood-doping.html
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13. An Exposition of the World’s Leading Anti-Doping
Organizations: The Russian Doping Scandal
Miranda Diez
CGW4U1-01
Monday, May 9, 2016