Isinbayeba urges IAAF to start real fight against doping in athletics

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) should start a real fight against doping in athletics instead of participating in political games, according to two-time Olympic pole vault champion and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Yelena Isinbayeva.

The IAAF suspended the All Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) in November 2015, following an investigation based on assertions related to an alleged state-sponsored doping system in Russia. One of the conditions is to declare the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) compliant with the code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

However, on November 16, the executive board of WADA refused to reinstate RUSADA. In December 2016, the IAAF decided that until the membership of the ARAF was restored, Russian athletes who met all the anti-doping criteria could participate in international tournaments as neutrals. Those willing to become neutrals are expected to file individual applications that must be approved by IAAF officials.