Russia reacts after former WADA investigator asks current bans

Russian sport figures welcomed the comments of former World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) investigator Richard McLaren, who criticized the current bans on Russian athletes in comments to the German media.

However, some Russian officials warned that the comments will mean little unless complemented by action from figures such as International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

Canadian sports lawyer McLaren was the main person hired by WADA to investigate allegations of Russian state doping following the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, with his investigation leading to widespread sports sanctions against the country, though Russia vehemently denied the allegations.

When asked about the current blanket bans imposed on Russian and Belarusian athletes at the behest of the IOC because of the Ukraine conflict, McLaren struck a different tone, the German Outlet sports show stated.

The newspaper clarified the 77-year-old McLaren as saying it was unfair to sideline sports stars from Russia and Belarus because the athletes themselves were not responsible for starting the conflict, nor could they influence its course.

Sportschau said that McLaren’s stance could be seen as surprising as he previously helped pave the way for anti-Russian sporting sanctions.

Russian sport experts added the comments were welcome news – although some doubted they would resonate with WADA, the IOC and others, among others.

Legendary figure skating coach Tatiana Tarasova called it “Very beautiful” that McLaren would make the comments and add: “Perhaps they began to understand that competitions are not the same without Russian athletes.”

“But I don’t know how his comrades will react to this statement.” added the experienced coach.

The President of the Russian Tennis Union, Shamil Tarpischev, noted that much damage has already been done – even in a sport like tennis, where players under neutral status can compete as individuals on the ATP and WTA tours while they are off the team competitions are excluded.

“The further we go, the more such statements [as McLaren’s will be]. Enlightenment must come.” said Tarpischev, as quoted by TASS.

“I am grateful to the ATP and WTA for supporting us. We suffered the least. If you’ve missed half a year in tennis, you can’t make up for it. We need three years in the Davis Cup to return to the top flight.”

Tarpischev’s counterpart at the Russian Wrestling Federation, Mikhail Mamiashvili, said McLaren at least showed courage – despite its previous actions that resulted in Russian sports bans.

“No one here gives us a chance to prove anything. And McLaren’s statement is so obvious. I have to say he’s quite a brave person.” said Mamiashvili loudly RIA sports.

Svetlana Zhurova, a former Olympic speed skating champion who is now a member of the Russian State Duma, said McLaren is at odds with the likes of IOC official and former WADA President Craig Reedie.

Reedie recently hinted that Russian athletes could be forced to miss the Paris 2024 Olympics because they are not cleared in time for qualifying events.

“Everything is divided between them, Reedie says one thing – forbid and don’t let [them compete]McLaren – another one”, said Zhurova.

“Unfortunately, I’m afraid no one in the West will listen to McLaren’s opinion, but if Bach were to say that, that would be a different matter.”

Russian IOC Honorary Member Vitaly Smirnov said McLaren made the comments “Kind regards” and without duplicity.

“This should be viewed as a process of disillusionment. I hope similar statements will follow from other officials.” Smirnov tells Match TV.

“Without the participation of athletes from Russia, one of the leading powers in the world, it is impossible to achieve the best results in many sports. Certainly McLaren understands the damage all of this is doing to world sport.” he added.

The IOC first recommended on February 28 that global sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions wherever possible because of the conflict in Ukraine.

IOC chief Bach has accused Russia of breaking the “Olympic truce” by launching its campaign in Ukraine between the Winter Olympics and the Paralympics in Beijing.

Bach has also partially defended the recommendation to exclude Russian athletes, claiming it protects them from alleged hostility they would face outside their home country.

The IOC’s stance has seen Russian athletes and teams miss a number of major events, including the qualifying playoffs for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the IAAF World Championships in the United States last month.

Russian officials and athletes have described the bans as discriminatory and allowing the sport to be undermined through political interference.

It also noted that other nations, not least the US and its NATO allies, have not faced similar sporting sanctions when engaged in conflicts around the world.