The world of Athletics is still coming to terms with the report released yesterday by the World Anti Doping Agency. The report states that Russia should be banned from international athletics after a state sponsored doping program was uncovered.
Dr Una May, the Director of anti-doping at the Irish Sports Council spoke this morning to Newstalk Breakfast about the findings and how surprising the news was.
Despite the report stating that there was “interference with doping controls up to middle of this year”, Dr May told Ivan Yates that "the vast majority of countries run very solid anti doping programs"
Ten Russians should be given life time bans according to the report which shows the seriousness of the offences. Dr May told Newstalk Breakfast that "the normal sanction is now four years" for a first offence.
She added how there is a precedence for banning Russian athletes from international competition. "Weightlifting are known to ban entire countries teams". While the Russian track and field team could potentially be banned from the Rio Olympics next year, other sports in the country are not under investigation.
One Irish athlete could benefit from yesterday's news. Former World Champion Rob Heffernan finished fourth in the 50km walk at London 2012. The race was won by Russia's Sergey Kirdyapkin. "There is potential" that Heffernan could be promoted to a bronze medal according to Dr May if Kirdyapkin's gold medal is stripped from him.
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