The World Anti-Doping Agency ended Russia's ongoing, three-year suspension, which resulted from a major scandal over state-sponsored doping. The state-backed doping accusations came to light in 2015 after Russia was accused of trying to cover up drug abuse during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Athletes and anti-doping bodies are vehemently against this decision, saying this is "the greatest treachery against clean athletes." Some are going so far as saying, "The United States is wasting its money by continuing to fund Wada (World Anti-Doping Agency), which is obviously impotent to address Russia's state-sponsored doping." Russia continues to deny running a state-sponsored doping program and deny access to its Moscow laboratory. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency is insistent that Russia's reinstatement will be subject to strict restrictions. Following the World Anti-Doping Agency's recommendation, the International Olympic Committee agreed in principal with the recommendation to end the suspension. The International Association of Athletics Federations, which is the international governing body for all athletics has its own taskforce investigating Russia's compliance, which will report back to a council meeting in December.
This article was written with contributions from Tim Piscatelli.
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