Lord Coe Recognises Russia Progression

Lord Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), has acknowledged that Russian authorities have made substantial progress into improving anti-doping measures in the country.

The World Anti-Doping Agency says it has been “encouraged” by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s admission his country’s own system “didn’t work”.

While denying allegations of a state-sponsored programme of systematic cheating, Putin said his country should acknowledge its anti-doping failures. WADA President Sir Craig Reedle said, “This public admission is an important step in the right direction.”

The McLaren Report, published in 2015, alleged of a systematic state-sponsored doping program within Russian athletics. Russian athletes are currently banned from competing in athletics events, but may be reinstated later this year.