WADA Criticises Isinbayeva Appointment

The decision to appoint Yelena Isinbayeva to a key role in Russia’s anti-doping organisation has been strongly criticised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Isinbayeva, a two-time Olympic Champion pole vaulter who also holds the world record in the event, previously described Russian disqualification from the 2016 Olympics as ‘a blatant political order’.

Wada said Isinbayeva’s appointment was “not consistent” with plans it had agreed over necessary reforms.

A statement read: “Whilst it is the decision of the Russian authorities to elect its board members, the agency shall be passing this information on to its independent Compliance Review Committee for their review.”