What if they didn't find a way to open the bottles? What if they took an easier path? Steal, buy or counterfeit "clean" bottles and caps and have the technology in Sochi to print the labels for the bottles and engrave/etch the numbers onto the caps. Then each night they would print or engrave the number and barcode of the sample to be switched, provide a new bottle, cap and label and simply throw the tainted sample away....
12
Michael Schwirtz, I'm following your work and I'm so proud of you.
--Kaney, IB
--Kaney, IB
5
For a great many Russians, cheating is a matter of pride, not shame. It is a way to “beat the system,” which, during Soviet times, was inherently unfair. It begins with the rampant use of cheat sheets in grade school and ends as corruption in every level of Russian society.
Putin and his inner circle no doubt viewed doping at the Sochi games in the same context – as a way to “beat the system,” to demonstrate Russia’s “greatness” and to overcome what they perceive as the international community’s negative bias against their country. The irony is that it has accomplished just the opposite and demonstrated the ruling regime’s complete moral bankruptcy – even as leaders boast to their own people that Russia upholds “traditional values” that the West has abandoned. Russia’s international reputation under Putin has reached a nadir with his annexation of Crimea, war in Ukraine, efforts to prop up a bloodthirsty dictator in Syria and willingness to ransack the national budget to fund the Olympic Games, the upcoming FIFA World Cup and a host of other, lesser known sporting and international events – all in an effort to inflate Russia’s “importance” in the world.
There is so much that is great in the Russian character. Unfortunately, the current Kremlin regime embodies almost none of it.
Putin and his inner circle no doubt viewed doping at the Sochi games in the same context – as a way to “beat the system,” to demonstrate Russia’s “greatness” and to overcome what they perceive as the international community’s negative bias against their country. The irony is that it has accomplished just the opposite and demonstrated the ruling regime’s complete moral bankruptcy – even as leaders boast to their own people that Russia upholds “traditional values” that the West has abandoned. Russia’s international reputation under Putin has reached a nadir with his annexation of Crimea, war in Ukraine, efforts to prop up a bloodthirsty dictator in Syria and willingness to ransack the national budget to fund the Olympic Games, the upcoming FIFA World Cup and a host of other, lesser known sporting and international events – all in an effort to inflate Russia’s “importance” in the world.
There is so much that is great in the Russian character. Unfortunately, the current Kremlin regime embodies almost none of it.
16
I am speechles, i am absolutely speechless! not that much about doping in sports, rather the way this whole thing was orchestered according to dr rodchenkov. no doubt about it, this story will lead to the suspension of russia in the next olympics! IT MUST! but, if the story is true and proved, rodchenkov as the key player of this whole fraud MUST be punished as well! it is ridiclious to dismiss someones own responsibility afterwards and blaming others for all that. meanwhile in sunny california he is already planning a big buisness carrer as another victim of putin's russia? omg -.-
3
so. if the A bottle urine is tested immediately which has same urine as B bottle then why are they not caught? they only describe switching out B bottle
7
Call me naive, but even after Lance Armstrong and Barry Bonds, this story is shocking to me. Athletes cheat, sure — but anti-doping agencies? This is another level of scandal.
In ten years of competing in Paralympic alpine skiing at the international level, I was subject to the anti-doping protools described in this story. My teammates and I resented and even feared anti-doping agencies like USADA and WADA — not because we were cheating, but because we feared they would find a way to impugn us anyway for some minor infraction. Like an overzealous traffic cop, USADA always seems to be looking for the slightest excuse to accuse athletes of doping. We lived in fear of accidentally using an over-the-counter medication that contained a banned substance, forgetting to get an exemption for a legitimate prescription, or even running out to do an errand but forgetting to update the forms that told USADA where we could be reached, 24/7/365, for random out-of-competition drug testing.
The point is that during all that time, I saw USADA and WADA as the absolute antagonists of doping. As an ex-athlete, to read about an anti-doping organization that actually engaged in doping is mind-blowing, akin to a police department that facilitates crime. The other commenters here don't seem to understand the significance of that. This isn't just another story about athletes being caught. It's far bigger than that.
In ten years of competing in Paralympic alpine skiing at the international level, I was subject to the anti-doping protools described in this story. My teammates and I resented and even feared anti-doping agencies like USADA and WADA — not because we were cheating, but because we feared they would find a way to impugn us anyway for some minor infraction. Like an overzealous traffic cop, USADA always seems to be looking for the slightest excuse to accuse athletes of doping. We lived in fear of accidentally using an over-the-counter medication that contained a banned substance, forgetting to get an exemption for a legitimate prescription, or even running out to do an errand but forgetting to update the forms that told USADA where we could be reached, 24/7/365, for random out-of-competition drug testing.
The point is that during all that time, I saw USADA and WADA as the absolute antagonists of doping. As an ex-athlete, to read about an anti-doping organization that actually engaged in doping is mind-blowing, akin to a police department that facilitates crime. The other commenters here don't seem to understand the significance of that. This isn't just another story about athletes being caught. It's far bigger than that.
12
This guy's got some steel ones, given Putin's long assassin reach for those who make him look like the two-cent caudillo that he is.
7
When I read all of this two names come to my mind - DSK and Zoe Barnes.
Nothing surprises from the very criminal nature of the Putin regime. This KGB thug bombed his own apartment buildings and falsely blamed them on the Chechens. Putin has also been central in the support of the genocidal Assad regime in Syria and 90% of Russia's horrific airstrikes have been on civilians and the main stream anti-ISIS opposition. It is quite interesting how he has admirers amongst certain rightwing Western politicians as well as leftist apologists for the Assad regime.
3
I can guess how the supposedly tamper-proof bottles can be "opened": The Russians would need a mould to make replications of the caps, and a glass engraving machine, both similar to the ones used internally by Berlinger Inc. to make and engrave the bottles' caps. The Russian spies should be able to get the exact specifications of these machines.
For the clandestine bottle-exchange operations, first the agents would need to note the serial numbers on the glass caps, then cracked the caps open, using the $2,000 machine sold by Berlinger Inc.. Then they engraved the new caps with the same serial numbers, and send the opened bottle + content + new caps back to Dr. Rodchenkov to proceed as described.
It may be possible for WADA to prove which bottles were tampered with. One way is to very precisely compare the biochemical composition of Bottle A's and Bottle B's contents. Water and salt were talked about, but there are also other biochemical markers unique to an athlete but are not constant with time.
Another possibility: the chemical composition or physical structure of the replaced caps' glass might be slightly different than those of the original caps.
For the clandestine bottle-exchange operations, first the agents would need to note the serial numbers on the glass caps, then cracked the caps open, using the $2,000 machine sold by Berlinger Inc.. Then they engraved the new caps with the same serial numbers, and send the opened bottle + content + new caps back to Dr. Rodchenkov to proceed as described.
It may be possible for WADA to prove which bottles were tampered with. One way is to very precisely compare the biochemical composition of Bottle A's and Bottle B's contents. Water and salt were talked about, but there are also other biochemical markers unique to an athlete but are not constant with time.
Another possibility: the chemical composition or physical structure of the replaced caps' glass might be slightly different than those of the original caps.
4
Sure, athletes in race-walking and bob-sledding dope like crazy, but in tennis, where there is literally 500 times more money and a player can win 3 million dollars at a single tournament, all the star players are completely, sparklingly clean. Reporters had better not even dare to ask those tennis stars about the doping issue. After all, there's no positive tests, and therefore nothing to talk about, right?
3
"In a dark-of-night operation...in a shadow laboratory lit by a single lamp.." This all sounds a bit like a bad dramatization of a non-story from a non-source. Or like a highly unlikely scenario. Should I go on a limb here and say - propaganda?
I never thought anyone could beat out Lance for sophisticated doping ...go figure. Trumps knocks off Bernie Madoff as the world best con-man and now this.. is no record sacred???
10
Modern Russia is an oxymoron . If one walks the streets of Moscow, one will witness archaic European scams in Red Square from fifty years ago designed to separate tourists from their money, the drudgery of the work commute on the Moscow Metro where it is not uncommon to see a young woman drinking an 18 oz. beer at 930am on a Wednesday on her way to an office job, third world driving techniques coupled with a complete disregard for traffic lanes and traffic lights, and people not queuing up at the local bank branch for the next teller, but instead, sticking one's hand on the counter along with everyone else in an effort to be next in line. Moscow may appear somewhat modern, but under the guise of shiny steel, McDonalds, high rises, and Mercedes' is the rotten stench of corruption coupled with something far more nefarious. Its one thing to fear jail time for being a part of systematic athlete doping. It is another to fear for you life. The higher echelons of Russian government track down and kill people who cross them. I wouldn't be surprised if Dr. Rodchenkov inadvertently drinks some plutonium tea supplied by an old friend visiting from Russia -- ala Alexander Litvinenko.
19
when i was a kid(long long time ago)i thought of olympic athletes as young aspiring athletes---not pros. that has now all changed. why? money???? i suspect so. the adults demanded it.
how much does the olympic programs cost the US taxpayers? some political parties/politicians are always talking about spending less money. why not abandon the olympic program and save money? let the pros and advertisers pay for all of it if they wish.
how much does the olympic programs cost the US taxpayers? some political parties/politicians are always talking about spending less money. why not abandon the olympic program and save money? let the pros and advertisers pay for all of it if they wish.
3
just what are 'illegal' drugs ..... we have so many painkillers, pep pills etc .... so what are 'drugs' ... and what is the difference... the TV olympics sell alcohol sodas ,,, all kinds of hozzerei... a treasure trove of BAD advertising...
2
Russia certainly appears to be caught red-handed based on what the Dr. described. Why would he make this up?
3
Success in athletic competition for authoritarian countries--this was par for the course for East Germany and its sister communist countries during the 70's and 80's--is just a variation on the old Roman technique of "bread and circuses." If there is a goods famine, or even a shortage or downturn, bring on the clowns. Circuses in the form of athletic prowess compensate for popular doubt and avert popular dissatisfaction.
2
If this were a country in the West, they would lose their medals and be suspended from the next Olympics.
Wonder what will happen to Russia? Perhaps Putin will just claim it didn't happen, murder scientists involved, and call it a day.
Wonder what will happen to Russia? Perhaps Putin will just claim it didn't happen, murder scientists involved, and call it a day.
6
Two of them have already died. If i were the gentleman in this article I would be trying to get in some agencies witness protection program. Trying rather hard, actually!
4
Go back to only amateur athletes, open press/media coverage of all events. For a time put the summer games at Athens, the winter games at someplace like Squaw valley (or where there is snow)--no bidding, no monstrous expense to put on the games. Definitely amateur athletes.
1
Yes, doping is rampant in many international sports; however, the key point in this case is that the government appears to be instigating the doping not the individual athlete. That's an important difference. I shudder to think what would happen to a Russian athlete who refused to take the drug cocktail.
3
Lance Ar,strong
Mark McGwire
etc
Mark McGwire
etc
2
Their doping wasn't orchestrated and funded by the US govt.
9
Yeah, we can throw the entire nation of Russia in the same category as those cheaters. Congratulations on Russia's moral depravity.
1
Does anyone really believe that the Russians are the only ones who are doing this? This is clearly a case where the crime is not stealing, the crime is getting caught.
7
Unless you have direct evidence of state-sponsored doping by any other country, then you are just making excuses. Yes, I actually believe that very very few if any other countries are involved with state sponsored cheating and I don't think any, except for perhaps China, have the resources to do it at the level of sophistication that Russia did. That said, I do believe that several other countries - and I'll name names here - from obvious east African athletics standouts to belarussian and ukrainian biathletes are not clean, but this is likely done at the level of the local sport's board at most, and possibly, as has happened in the USA, at the level of the individual athlete and perhaps his/her coach..
But Russia's systemic, state sponsored cheating and abuse of 'host nation' privileges is unprecedented and so unless you have actual evidence of other states doing this, I suggest that you keep your attempts to water down Russia's guilt to yourself.
But Russia's systemic, state sponsored cheating and abuse of 'host nation' privileges is unprecedented and so unless you have actual evidence of other states doing this, I suggest that you keep your attempts to water down Russia's guilt to yourself.
6
For anyone who may cast doubt on Dr. Rodchenkov's claims they can be checked. He detailed that Russian athletes were given a cocktail of three performance enhancing drugs, and that urine samples were tampered with only for Sochi athletes that won metals. It should be possible to test the "B" samples from Russian athletes that did not win metals for the presence of any/all of these 3 banned drugs.
5
I doubt that this he is saying truth. In unlikely case he is, your method won't work, because the guy would have changed all the samples. One wrong move and the whole scheme is out. That's why I don't believe in this. It would involve too many participants.
2
I think it's time for the demise of the Olympics. It no longer stands for what it once did in ancient times; it's raft with politics & doping and corruption, and is way too expensive to host. Maybe a permanent home in Greece for the Summer Games and Switzerland for the Winter Games might have saved the games years ago, but, I think it is beyond saving now.
14
With all the recent controversy about immigration, how did someone who systematically concocted the dope for Russian Olympic athletes, enabling them to defeat Americans (among others), get into this country? How is he supporting a life of making borscht and tending his garden?
9
I imagine he would have a very credible case for political asylum.
3
One of the high schools in my upper middle class school district just announced they are cancelling their football team due to lack of (student) interest. People are beginning to turn away from the corrupt sports machines, and the young are leading the way.
13
Yet in Texas they just voted to build a $62 million HIGH SCHOOL stadium. Priorities.
Many kids who grow up in less leafy neighborhoods don't see the same options for honest financial success in their futures as do upper-middle class kids. And the general public, by and large, are perfectly happy to watch them compete when they grow up, no matter who gets hurt and no matter what they have to ingest to be top-tier gladiators. So, no, it will never stop.
But, yes, it is sick.
But, yes, it is sick.
1
I can't stop wondering how American public can believe everything that appears on paper without applying critical thinking.
There are numbers of questions that raise my eyebrows.
1. Russian women hockey team was never viewed a real contender for the gold medals. The doping in team games was never a factor of success. Games are much often won by applying a right tactics. I can hardly imagine that the team of 20 people can doped. It is HUGE risk for being caught for almost ZERO chance of success.
2. Athletes were required to picture the their samples and text the number of the bottle. H-mm, what if somebody fails to this or confuse a couple of digits?
3. The lab must have had a round a clock video surveillance not only outside, but also inside. Where are the tapes? Don't tell me they are destroyed or controlled by the host nation.
4. Hundreds of empty sample bottles disappeared from the lab (presumably to find way to break into them) and nobody in WADA noticed that. What kind of security is that?
5. All this happened in 2014, in the end of 2014 he resigned. Why it took him that long to make the statement. Why now? He didn't say anything during the WADA track and field investigations. Why?
6. Finally, if the guy was a part of the secret operation of that scale, why he is still alive? This is far bigger thing than any of spy scandal that we had recently.
There are numbers of questions that raise my eyebrows.
1. Russian women hockey team was never viewed a real contender for the gold medals. The doping in team games was never a factor of success. Games are much often won by applying a right tactics. I can hardly imagine that the team of 20 people can doped. It is HUGE risk for being caught for almost ZERO chance of success.
2. Athletes were required to picture the their samples and text the number of the bottle. H-mm, what if somebody fails to this or confuse a couple of digits?
3. The lab must have had a round a clock video surveillance not only outside, but also inside. Where are the tapes? Don't tell me they are destroyed or controlled by the host nation.
4. Hundreds of empty sample bottles disappeared from the lab (presumably to find way to break into them) and nobody in WADA noticed that. What kind of security is that?
5. All this happened in 2014, in the end of 2014 he resigned. Why it took him that long to make the statement. Why now? He didn't say anything during the WADA track and field investigations. Why?
6. Finally, if the guy was a part of the secret operation of that scale, why he is still alive? This is far bigger thing than any of spy scandal that we had recently.
10
All so inconvenient, isn't it? I don't mean the desperate points you raise, but the fact the good doctor managed to survive to tell the tale...
3
He's still alive because he got out of Russia.
11
All things scrubbed by the faithful services of your countries security apparatus, I'm sure. "Plausible deniability" and "home field advantage". Putin is just so smart!! But, if you read the NY Times piece, their interest was in the containers. And rightfully so for a cheating mind.
But at what cost?
You're address denotes a subtle brainwashing from state media.
By the way, Putin still allows the NY Times uncensored in St Petersburg, Russia?
But at what cost?
You're address denotes a subtle brainwashing from state media.
By the way, Putin still allows the NY Times uncensored in St Petersburg, Russia?
1
"Rudchenkov's account couldn't be independently verified." But it IS being touted as supporting the equally-unverified "broad findings of a report published last year by tthe3 world Anti-Doping agency."
Is that the same World Anti Doping Agency that thinks letting the host nation run the testing program is a good idea?
Is that the same World Anti Doping Agency that thinks letting the host nation run the testing program is a good idea?
10
The East Germans were able to get away this kind of thing for so long because their doping program was by the Stasi secret police. Perhaps if the Russians had conducted their under a similar system it would not have been exposed as those opposed to it, refused bribes, and displayed disloyal behavior would have been dealt with appropriately, that is jailed, committed to an asylum, or killed. Cheers!
2
The article full of righteous indignation can't leave anyone unimpressed. I really admired some expressions, especially, the description of replacing samples - it shows real talent and rich imagination. Well done!
It remains only to count how many per cent of Russians are working for the F.S.B. And to wonder why all this had been uncovered at such a pretty right moment.
It remains only to count how many per cent of Russians are working for the F.S.B. And to wonder why all this had been uncovered at such a pretty right moment.
1
We can't just blithely say "Oh, let everyone dope and may the best doper win". Doping in many cases starts when the athletes are children, when there is the greatest opportunity to shape a body. Young female Soviet gymnasts were but one frightening example of this. Doping carries, in many instances, heavy consequences for an athlete's body, either in the present or the future. In some cases, it causes fatalities in the present, as witnessed by the deaths of some cyclists. Unregulated doping would be far more extreme than what happens right now. The real answers may be to remove emblems of nationalism from the Olympics, have Olympic games in multi-nation zones, and get rid of pompous medal ceremonies. That might not be enough, but it would be a start.
1
I'm sorry but those Russians can't be trusted in anything.
Weather it's their attempted inroads to manipulate US penny stocks in the 90's, nuclear arrangements, truce's in the Ukraine, borders with neighbors, energy contracts with other countries, submarines in other country's waters, lying about barrel roles over our ships in free waters, discerning between terrorists and civilians in Syria, their support of a corrupt governing soccer body, lies to Kerry, their cheating with Iran, their bids for world cup games...and now even their sports can't be trusted.
Is it no wonder you are where are are Grand High Exalted Mystical Putin?
Weather it's their attempted inroads to manipulate US penny stocks in the 90's, nuclear arrangements, truce's in the Ukraine, borders with neighbors, energy contracts with other countries, submarines in other country's waters, lying about barrel roles over our ships in free waters, discerning between terrorists and civilians in Syria, their support of a corrupt governing soccer body, lies to Kerry, their cheating with Iran, their bids for world cup games...and now even their sports can't be trusted.
Is it no wonder you are where are are Grand High Exalted Mystical Putin?
5
This is why I have lost all interest in the Olympics. Cheating to win at all costs is the underlying principle of too many athletes. All the results tell me is that the winner is a better cheater than the other cheaters. I have not watched 5 minutes of the Olympics in the past 20 years and nothing on the horizon tells me that my viewing habits will change. I'm not happy about this situation but the purity of amateur sports is an anachronism.
5
Why do we need the Olympics anymore? The athletes strive to find ways to cheat as borne by this article, there is no more amateurism in the Olympics as it was originally designed, pro sports schedules and obligations take precedence over the Olympics, countries who host the Olympics spend billions on infrastructure that falls into decay once they are over, the costs to host Olympics are enough to bankrupt smaller countries,thus prohibiting them from ever hosting the games, etc., etc., etc...
6
I agree with David Letterman, who suggested there be two Olympics, one drug-free and the other where anything goes. Both would be exciting for different reasons and the opprobrium attached to someone caught cheating under these circumstances in the drug-free arena would undermine any such attempt.
2
But, Stan: Would it be cheating for a drug-free athlete to enter the anything-goes games?
These details are important.
These details are important.
And how would you ensure that the competitors in the "drug-free " Olympics really are drug-free ? You would still need the same huge and expensive testing bureaucracy which we have now, and the same unremitting ( and sometimes successful ) attempts to beat it.
Come on WADA chief: It's time to release the russian names, to suspend them and to give theirs medals to the next guys.
3
Does anyone aside from the athletes, their sponsors, the television networks and the various olympic committees really care about the olympics anymore? I find it very hard to believe that the general public has any keen interest in most of what passes for athletic competition in the olympics.
3
The USSR, and possibly still with Russia, invented the transgender athlete.
4
I remember watching the 1960 Rome Olympics on TV, then going outside and practicing the long jump in our dinky little yard. It was all so exciting and cool then. Now I just avoid professional sports of any sort--the potential for corruption is always going to be there. Some people complain, but in the end the "fans" want to see records, big upsets, and masses of medals, and they don't care how they come about.
5
Anyone remember the East German women from the 1976 Olympics???? Same story, same outcomes, different date...athletic success has always been a favorite of authoritarian countries and doping is the only way to get there since DNA can't be counted on....
5
I remember back in the 70's when accusations of cheating (especially by East German female swimmers) were vigorously denied by a lot of sports writers, including the Times. People who claimed the Communists were cheating wanted to scuttle arms control agreements. Athletes who complained were sore losers. (Anyone remember Shirley Babbershaw sp?). Turned out they were correct. I guess that is no longer an issue. The Cold War really is over.
7
So ... what is the IOC going to do about it?
7
Dr. Rodchenkov's admission that, in the past, Russian athletes were using banned substances leading up to--but not during--competitions is alarming in and of itself. The performance advantages conferred by many of these drugs are not transient; a brief period of steroid use may boost muscle growth and recovery months and even years later (www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24730151). The Russian doping program may be unique in scale and organization, but I'm certain it's not the only one. And individual athletes who wish to use performance enhancing drugs can simply take them without fear between competitions or scheduled drug tests. In order for athletic contests to have any integrity going forward, we must have lifetime bans for those caught doping, and, apparently, a complete overhaul of drug testing procedures.
On another note, the implication that two of Dr. Rodchenkov's colleagues may have been killed to silence them made me glad to be an American.
On another note, the implication that two of Dr. Rodchenkov's colleagues may have been killed to silence them made me glad to be an American.
3
Athletics has become just another moneymaking, PR/entertainment enterprise. Those who watch it and take it "seriously are being silly.
The shame of our country and the world is: societies richly finance and encourage millions of kids to passionately engage in pursuing "The Dream" of athletic money and fame at the expense of their health and lifespans.
The shame of our country and the world is: societies richly finance and encourage millions of kids to passionately engage in pursuing "The Dream" of athletic money and fame at the expense of their health and lifespans.
2
This from "The Official Website of the Olympic Movement": "Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."
LOL
LOL
1
The article full of righteous indignation can't leave anyone unimpressed. I really admire some expressions, especially, the description of replacing the samples - it shows real talent and rich imagination. Well done!
It remains only to count how many per cent of Russians are working for the F.S.B. And to wonder why all this had been uncovered at the pretty right moment.
It remains only to count how many per cent of Russians are working for the F.S.B. And to wonder why all this had been uncovered at the pretty right moment.
1
I can't stop wondering how American public can believe everything that appears on paper without applying critical thinking.
There are numbers of questions that raise my eyebrows.
1. Russian women hockey team was never viewed a real contender for the gold medals. The doping in team sport has never been a factor of success. Games are much often won by applying a right tactics. I can hardly imagine that the team of 20 people can doped. It is HUGE risk for being caught for almost 0 chance of success.
2. Athletes were required to picture the their samples and text the number of the bottle. Hmm, what if somebody fails to this or confuse a couple of digits?
3. The lab must have had a round a clock video surveillance not only outside, but also inside. Where are the tapes? Don't tell me they are destroyed or controlled by the host nation.
4. Hundreds of empty sample bottles disappeared from the lab (presumably to find way to break into them) and nobody in WADA noticed that. What kind of security is that?
5. All this happened in 2014, in the end of 2014 he resigned. Why it took him that long to make the statement? Why now? He didn't say anything during the WADA T&F investigations. Why?
6. Finally, if the guy was a part of the secret operation of that scale, why he is still alive? This is far bigger thing than any of spy scandal that we had recently.
I would like to see the real evidence and not this...
I think USADA is trying to put us out of the game ahead of Rio.
There are numbers of questions that raise my eyebrows.
1. Russian women hockey team was never viewed a real contender for the gold medals. The doping in team sport has never been a factor of success. Games are much often won by applying a right tactics. I can hardly imagine that the team of 20 people can doped. It is HUGE risk for being caught for almost 0 chance of success.
2. Athletes were required to picture the their samples and text the number of the bottle. Hmm, what if somebody fails to this or confuse a couple of digits?
3. The lab must have had a round a clock video surveillance not only outside, but also inside. Where are the tapes? Don't tell me they are destroyed or controlled by the host nation.
4. Hundreds of empty sample bottles disappeared from the lab (presumably to find way to break into them) and nobody in WADA noticed that. What kind of security is that?
5. All this happened in 2014, in the end of 2014 he resigned. Why it took him that long to make the statement? Why now? He didn't say anything during the WADA T&F investigations. Why?
6. Finally, if the guy was a part of the secret operation of that scale, why he is still alive? This is far bigger thing than any of spy scandal that we had recently.
I would like to see the real evidence and not this...
I think USADA is trying to put us out of the game ahead of Rio.
1
How is an Olympic drug scandal bigger then a spying scandal in your eyes? One is sports competition the other can lead to wars between nations in the most extreme cases
Surprise, surprise, another methodical anti-antidoping conspiracy--and in Russia of all places! I'm shocked.
The last Olympics worth watching was Paris 1924.
The last Olympics worth watching was Paris 1924.
3
This is how a totalitarian police state operates. Just ask the devilish Putin, who disappears people every day. Russia may be patriotic, but it is patriotic for all the wrong reasons. Russia would be a vast wasteland if not for oil. If oil goes lower, the country could just implode.
7
Maybe the human condition is too base for sustaining the games. There is so much corruption surrounding every aspect of it that the while spectacle is disgusting the honest athletes that do exist and debasing the value of the whole enterprise. Perhaps the tradition should be suspended for a while while it gets cleaned-up, if it can be, to come back refreshed and honest in all respects.
5
We will next find out that the Olympic choice Committee is more corrupt than FIFA
2
For a regime that came away unscathed from murdering 298 civilian airline passengers in it's war with the Ukraine (who even remembers, right!), what's a little doping? In the world of Bush, Trump and Putin, winning is everything, no one is accountable and Game of Thrones passes for history.
3
Now it's Russian sports doping. Is there anything nefarious in the world that George Bush can't be blamed for?
Clearly this is just an American plot to undermine the integrity of the Russian state and its people....
--V Putin
--V Putin
3
I think it is time to give up. Just stop drug testing. If athletes want to abuse their bodies for short term fame or financial gain, let them. May the best pharmaceuticals win.
1
We must take holidays for longtime after your severals critics about.
Well said.
The financial rewards to modern successful athletes are potentially so huge there can be no surprise that many of them will do anything to maximize their results. Especially if they think they can get away with it. In their shoes, do you think you would not?
And much of the general public really doesn't care - they just want to see record breaking great performances.
And much of the general public really doesn't care - they just want to see record breaking great performances.
4
jsfranco said, "Everything about the Sochi olympics felt rigged from day one." Yes, the Olympics are now nothing more than a playground for the top 1% global financial elite and are used as a payoff to gain financial access. As many other commenters have said it's time for the Olympics to die - another victim of insatiable greed.
10
I simply do not understand why people are so shocked because cheating and stealing are part and parcel of BIG sports. When one person is allowed to cheat others, even straight shooters, think they have to cheat as well in order to "win" so the entire sport is contaminated. It's a lose-lose proposition to the bottom. Case in point - Lance Armstrong.
7
"...in Russia, two of Dr. Rodchenkov’s close colleagues died unexpectedly in February, within weeks of each other..."
Look around, poke around and you will find a strange and highly unusual pattern of sudden death among those who may have dropped out of favor. It has become a known and recurring phenomena in Russia by now, widely portrayed in the media.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3427055/Russia-s-ruling-party-re...
Look around, poke around and you will find a strange and highly unusual pattern of sudden death among those who may have dropped out of favor. It has become a known and recurring phenomena in Russia by now, widely portrayed in the media.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3427055/Russia-s-ruling-party-re...
8
"Getting into the bottles was the key.
How exactly this was accomplished is still a mystery. Dr. Rodchenkov claims that at some point several weeks before the start of the Games, the man he believed to be an F.S.B. agent presented him with a previously sealed bottle that had been opened, its uniquely numbered cap intact."
The photograph of the "hole" in the wall was definitely overkill in thi propaganda story.
How exactly this was accomplished is still a mystery. Dr. Rodchenkov claims that at some point several weeks before the start of the Games, the man he believed to be an F.S.B. agent presented him with a previously sealed bottle that had been opened, its uniquely numbered cap intact."
The photograph of the "hole" in the wall was definitely overkill in thi propaganda story.
2
I "dated" this Russian woman and she actually was at Sochi and she bragged about how her "history" stopped at Perestroika. She was a liar (to herself and to me) and I know these Russians here who are super into the fact that they're Russians, too. They have no manners and they're liars also. Not to mention that they're really into classism and doping and alcohol. As she said, we have different "logics". If you can call it that...
6
Putin's like Lenin's and Stalin's government is built on lies, corruption and murder. Nothing has changed, If they can't win fairly they will steal glory not for mother Russia but for themselves.
9
My only comment is, What took them so long? My nephew, who is an Olympian, has been complaining about Russian athletes for years! He says that it has been common knowledge among all sports competitions for more than five years that the Russians were doping and that their coaches were in on it. The conventional wisdom among the athletic community was, "There's just no other way they could do it."
6
It used to be the East Germans who had a lip-lock on doped athletes. But apparently everybody, even the good guys, do it. That's not the real 'problem' getting caught seems to be.
But you would think the IOC would be doing it's own doping - and figuring a tamper-proof way of doing that?
But you would think the IOC would be doing it's own doping - and figuring a tamper-proof way of doing that?
1
No, I won't be flying down to Brazil to watch our swimmers dodge used tampons and turds in the water or boil every Pina Colada to prevent myself from getting the Zika virus...wow, the Ancient Greeks and Romans are spinning in their graves seeing what we've done to their nude, oiled "events". Instead, I will continue training our Saddle-breds, cultivating our organic gardens and clearing out granny's attic.
7
Be careful, Dr. Rodchenkov. Los Angeles has a very large Russian immigrant community full of thugs and mafia. My Russian-Amercian friend was found at the bottom of a lake in LA because he parents could not pay a ransom when he was kidnapped back in 2002.
5
"Russia...undermining the integrity of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events."
About 100 years too late on that pronouncement...modern Olympics have been more about exercises in political posturing, than about exercises in "the good fellowship of athletic competition," with the athletes being exploitable political pawns rather than being "ambassadors of good sportsmanship."
Doping, bribing and cheating are supper imposed onto the exploitative political morass further undermining the reasoning and justifications why the Olympiad was resurrected after a very long hiatus and what the games are suppose to be all about. "Game...this was never meant to be a game!" ["Rollerball" 1975]
About 100 years too late on that pronouncement...modern Olympics have been more about exercises in political posturing, than about exercises in "the good fellowship of athletic competition," with the athletes being exploitable political pawns rather than being "ambassadors of good sportsmanship."
Doping, bribing and cheating are supper imposed onto the exploitative political morass further undermining the reasoning and justifications why the Olympiad was resurrected after a very long hiatus and what the games are suppose to be all about. "Game...this was never meant to be a game!" ["Rollerball" 1975]
6
The time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.
Today, the road all Russians come,
By doping, all your honor undone.
We set you at your threshold down,
Shameful runner of a shameful town.
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.
Today, the road all Russians come,
By doping, all your honor undone.
We set you at your threshold down,
Shameful runner of a shameful town.
1
The Potemkin Village mindset remains alive and well in Russia. After all it is appearances that matter most and protect against the shame the truth would inflict. Yes , these are to varying degrees pretty much universal anxieties, but when Nemtsov gets four bullets in the back for speaking truth to power and Litvinenko gets sushi a la polonium for exposing corruption and being disrespectful, these anxieties reach terrorist state proportions. Human integrity and truth seeking is on the hit list. This is the real shame of Russia.
9
It is necessary to be the full idiot to believe that the authorities of Russia will kill their opponent opposite to the Kremlin and to poison the another abroad with the most sophisticated way conducting directly to Russia.
1
So you invent sports that exclude everyone who isn't white and then you have to cheat to beat the other nordic white guys?
Let's face it. cross country skiing interrupted by skeet shooting is not an inclusive sport and we could not care less who wins.
Let's face it. cross country skiing interrupted by skeet shooting is not an inclusive sport and we could not care less who wins.
4
They didn't have to break the glass or the tamper proof seal. Just counterfeit new labels on new bottles.
6
"Making sure to keep the overhead light off, Dr. Rodchenkov and a colleague dumped the tainted urine into a nearby toilet, washed out the bottles, dried them with filter paper and filled them with the clean urine."
Oh, what Irving Berlin could have done with THIS scandal:
If you're blue
And you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Moscow flits
Putin's done the rinse...
Oh, what Irving Berlin could have done with THIS scandal:
If you're blue
And you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where Moscow flits
Putin's done the rinse...
3
What is the point of watching the games on NBC if dopers are allowed to compete? It's like watching Barry Bonds hit home runs...why bother watching?
There is a tiny plaque that bears his name at AT&T Park. That is all that remains of his accomplishments.
Maybe pressure from NBC can make the IOC do it's job.
There is a tiny plaque that bears his name at AT&T Park. That is all that remains of his accomplishments.
Maybe pressure from NBC can make the IOC do it's job.
6
Dr. Rodchenkov is unbelievably lucky to be alive. As the article mentions, several of his colleagues have already died under suspicious circumstances within weeks of each other. I don't think people fully understand the extent to which people are still being "disappeared" or murdered in Russia right now who get in the way of the Kremlin. This all sounds very conspiracy theory until you look at the case history. Putin still thinks in a very KGB way, in my opinion.
I'm glad he made it to the U.S. to tell his story. We all kinda knew it but it's nice to have a full confirmation of exactly how state involved the doping situation was in Sochi. Hope he manages to not have a "heart attack" soon.
I'm glad he made it to the U.S. to tell his story. We all kinda knew it but it's nice to have a full confirmation of exactly how state involved the doping situation was in Sochi. Hope he manages to not have a "heart attack" soon.
2
Apparently the Russians believe themselves to be inferior people, since they cannot win except through cheating.
10
Dr. Rodchenkov is a brave man. I hope Obama calls Putin to tell him directly not to plan murder.
4
Why is it that athletes are being doping tested after the fact, and after they have received their medals, honors and limelight?
Every single athlete should be tested immediately prior to the event. If you fail the doping test you don't compete.
If I know that all the competitors in a sporting event were clean I would be a lot more prone to watch.
Every single athlete should be tested immediately prior to the event. If you fail the doping test you don't compete.
If I know that all the competitors in a sporting event were clean I would be a lot more prone to watch.
2
Yes, I wake up in the morning, comb hair, drink first bottle of vodka, put on valenki and ushanka, go for a walk with my home bears, while walking drink another bottle, start the engine of the private tank to go to my work, while driving I sing Katusha and drink another bottle, I work at the secret nuclear plant, I construct ballistic missiles with my grandfathers' hummer, after work I go to the gym with Chivas and steroids (the only chance not to drink vodka!), I go home, send polonium to my best friend, go to the balcony and say goodnight to my small private nuclear missile, kick my bear, drink the last bottle of vodka and fall asleep.
Seriously.
Seriously.
10
Brilliant!
Stick to the arts though, Russian cheat there too maybe, but it's harder to see.
Sorry, didn't I say brilliant?
Stick to the arts though, Russian cheat there too maybe, but it's harder to see.
Sorry, didn't I say brilliant?
Ha! I do think the doping story is credible, but your comment wins fair and square.
Russia should be banned from the games for an extended period of time and certainly not allowed to host again. It's a sad day for all those athletes who worked so hard and lost to cheaters.
7
It sounds very believable, but we would need more information and some independent verification, which could come in many forms, before we accept it as the truth. Some how, I think this information will be forthcoming. The Olympics, summer or winter, has become such an over worn event that it is really not worth watching. For the most part, these are professional athletes that are making a gazillion and are cheating as they do it, one way or another. This is pretty much the ticket for most sports, now days. We need to take a step back and make these events meaningful again in a positive way. Limiting the age of the competitors to under 23 would be a start. Let's watch the next generation perform against each other on a level playing field. It would be far more interesting than what we have now, which is a sham.
5
I'm too old to care about all this. The olympics once were contests of athletic abilities. I gave up in 80's when they made Rhythmic Gymnastics an official event. Bunches of cute little girls running around a GYM waving ribbons.
The saddest part of this latest allegation is that people may have been killed in the name of protecting national honor. They had knowledge that could lead to exposing a unimportant truth.
The saddest part of this latest allegation is that people may have been killed in the name of protecting national honor. They had knowledge that could lead to exposing a unimportant truth.
12
Somewhere, somehow the world is in the most desperate need of the rebirth of selfless dedication to honesty, fairness and compassion for others. In contrast we seem to be spinning ever more quickly down a cesspool of hate, fear, corruption and personal appetites without bounds.
7
Some places the only thing that counts is winning - by any means necessary. Did we really think the culture of Russia (Soviet Union) has changed that much? We're the deluded ones.
7
We are? Then you mustn't have heard of Mike Phelps and his sex drugs and booze-filled meltdown. Or he beauty that is, or was, Bruce Jenner.
Russia is not exceptional in wanting to win at any cost.
Russia is not exceptional in wanting to win at any cost.
The key difference is that little part about the "state sponsorship" of the doping. Think of the difference if the CIA and perhaps key pharmaceutical firms were managing the process as they were/are in Russia. I'm not entirely sure what Bruce/Katlyn Jenner has to do with anything. Michael Phelps and Lance Armstrong are both examples of how sideways are growing need to win at any cost is. However, the apparent fact that Putin has continued the long tradition of State sponsored/facilitated/financed doping that began in the days of the Soviet Union is an entirely different matter. Comparilng individuals (cheats) to a national program of cheating is a completely false equivalence.
Cancel the Olympics. Cancel the Summer Olympics. Cancel the Winter Olympics. I realize this will mean that Bob Costas' pink-eye won't get the full coverage it's due, but these are uncertain times.
10
The hilarious thing is that Putin thinks that anyone, even one single person, outside of Russia's state controlled media bubble believes denials of Russian doping. As to the Olympics, can it get any more corrupt or sink any lower? Oh, right, swimming through raw sewage in Guanabara Bay, another new low. The time has come to choke off the money that fuels the corruption, and pull the plug on media coverage and product sponsorship of the Olympics.
13
Perhaps some 'natural' doping will occur in Brazil. Their water has to be a chemical soup by now, ours is.
Big Oil, Big Tobacco, Big Religion, and now, Big Sport. All are in business to pacify the masses, foster conformity, and ensure an extravagant lifestyle for their organization men.
4
I'm not sure if the Russians should be allowed to compete, but certain that they should not be allowed to host events.
4
Any bets on whether this gentleman winds up drinking a polonium chaser?
2
All this sanctimonious talk of "state -sanctioned" versus individual cheating is just so much rationalizing.
Does no one recall the Olympic bribery scandals surrounding the Salt Lake Olympiad? And when we in the USA are finished griping about "those cheaters" in (choose country name), we almost invariably poach their coaches for the next games, or offer an amazing citizenship deal to their most gifted athletes. (So much for a fair immigration policy.)
The Olympics is allegedly an international competition featuring the best in amateur sport. In reality, since its inception in ancient times, it has challenged the greed and avarice of would be pretenders to championships. Cheaters have always been part of the games. We complain about them. They complain about us. And so it goes.
Does no one recall the Olympic bribery scandals surrounding the Salt Lake Olympiad? And when we in the USA are finished griping about "those cheaters" in (choose country name), we almost invariably poach their coaches for the next games, or offer an amazing citizenship deal to their most gifted athletes. (So much for a fair immigration policy.)
The Olympics is allegedly an international competition featuring the best in amateur sport. In reality, since its inception in ancient times, it has challenged the greed and avarice of would be pretenders to championships. Cheaters have always been part of the games. We complain about them. They complain about us. And so it goes.
1
The Olympics has been a circus of corruption, nationalist jingoism, and vast hype since I can remember. Hosting the Olympics has been a financial disaster for everyone but a few insiders. It would help if athletes participated as individuals, not as national teams, but that won't happen. Tune out, everyone - read a good book, and get outside and get some exercise.
2
This is what makes the NYTimes worth reading. Thanks. Of course, we all knew this, but now we know that we know -- the kleptopic state also cheats ... on nearly everything. They can't cheat on their economy however. Pity the Russian people who have to put up with their state's underperformance forever. If only it could change. Putin, Trump all curses on the human race. He even murdered the poor guy's colleagues. What a guy.
2
"I am shocked; shocked, I tell you, that gambling is going on in this establishment."
4
It is possible that Russian athletes cheated as well as athletes from other countries, but it is also possible that this guy just makes up the story. According to him, he was cheating the doping system (I guess, for money), how we can be sure that he is not lying right now?
2
This is the World's Foremost Athletic Multinational Athletic Competition that U.S. athletes, coaches, sports associations, and some politicians are fighting so hard to remain part of that may well cause the fastest, most efficient dispersal of the Zika Virus and will have swimmers the world round racing through a stew of feces and salt water? And all this and more in a nation where the government is in the worst kind of operatic turmoil and almost supernatural entropy.
Ready, Set, Go--somewhere else. Or cancel these and future "Games"until they no longer resemble a desperate global competition for some sort of evidence of world dominance.
They just ain't fun to watch anymore.
Ready, Set, Go--somewhere else. Or cancel these and future "Games"until they no longer resemble a desperate global competition for some sort of evidence of world dominance.
They just ain't fun to watch anymore.
3
Politicians cheat on their wivesvand this is at the highest levels . That's worse.
My impression is that the main reason that almost every Olympic host country wins an unusually large number of medals is because it's cheating like crazy with PEDs (or in the case of the South Korean boxing gold medal in 1988, directly paying off judges).
3
I suspected something was wrong when I watched the curling competition. I said, "Those Russian's clearly don't drink as much beer as the other Europeans. They aren't fat enough."
1
As a San Francisco Giants fan in 2001, I faithfully watch or listened to every game and followed Bonds as he hit 73 home runs. Turns out he was a cheater also. One of the first. Years later it became clear how naive I was. It was all chemically induced. So nothing surprises me.
Cheaters cheat. And yet when governments are directing it, it's reached a new level of absurdity. And tragedy.
Cheaters cheat. And yet when governments are directing it, it's reached a new level of absurdity. And tragedy.
3
"Dr. Rodchenkov’s account could not be independently verified"
Oh, what a surprise. And oh, what a surprise that these "revelations" are made just before the summer Olympics in Brazil.
What might be the facts and the culpability of Russian officials in all this, I do not know nor care. The world of professional sports is awash in doping. One can only imagine the reality of USA-style football, among other sports. But one thing is for sure, these allegations are in fact one more effort from USA sources to defame Russia and Russians, as Russian officials state.
Related and vastly more serious of course than this is the stationing of anti-ballistic missiles on Russia's border in Romania. Particularly heinous and provocative is the obvious and absurd rationale from USA and NATO authorities that the missiles are supposedly to "protect" Europe from a missile attack from the Middle East. Laughable. Neo-conservatives behind all this apparently are gung-ho on starting a war with Russia.
Oh, what a surprise. And oh, what a surprise that these "revelations" are made just before the summer Olympics in Brazil.
What might be the facts and the culpability of Russian officials in all this, I do not know nor care. The world of professional sports is awash in doping. One can only imagine the reality of USA-style football, among other sports. But one thing is for sure, these allegations are in fact one more effort from USA sources to defame Russia and Russians, as Russian officials state.
Related and vastly more serious of course than this is the stationing of anti-ballistic missiles on Russia's border in Romania. Particularly heinous and provocative is the obvious and absurd rationale from USA and NATO authorities that the missiles are supposedly to "protect" Europe from a missile attack from the Middle East. Laughable. Neo-conservatives behind all this apparently are gung-ho on starting a war with Russia.
5
The WADA investigations came out quite some time ago, showing rampant doping in Russian sport. This Times piece is more proof that Russia is systematically implementing doping, sponsored by the State. Your comparisons are a false equivalency (a favorite ploy of the Kremlin). The US government doesn't encourage, participate in nor fund doping in the US. The Russian government does. And lies about it (and many other things) incessantly.
Vastly more serious is Russia's continued aggression against its neighbors, including invasions and stealing of lands.
Vastly more serious is Russia's continued aggression against its neighbors, including invasions and stealing of lands.
1
In one's heart of hearts, you know if you were a winner or a fraud: that must be a horrible dilemma to swallow.
4
Grigory Rodchenkov the Russian Edward Snowden - may he reveal all the farcial filth of Russian State terror and deception and find protection here - though he should avoid invitations to tea - but if the Russian government and its most gifted scientists conspires to deceive the international community and then assassinate those who most effectively could reveal it in something as innocuous as sport , what do they do in the grave matters of nuclear weapon reduction , respect of copyright , international pollution mandates etc
8
Just as the Republican party will choke down a Trump candidacy in the name of winning, so too the Russians (possibly others less organized) will do the same with honor in the name of national glory. And the IOC will allow them to compete in Brazil, because ....Putin.
4
Two of his colleagues died unexpectedly within 2 weeks of each other. That is the signature of a Russian coverup.
18
No big surprise.
Under Putin, Russia has become nothing so much as as a state sponsored criminal enterprise.
Under Putin, Russia has become nothing so much as as a state sponsored criminal enterprise.
21
Yes I am shocked that the Russian government would be implicated in such duplicity and cheating.
What's next? Phony elections?!
What's next? Phony elections?!
13
Elite athletes in every sport are taking some sort of PED's, wether banned or not. Anyone who doesn't believe it, is naive.
7
First reaction: "Reflecting on his career, he [Dr. Rodchenkov] said he was unapologetic about his role in Russia’s doping program, considering it a condition of his employment."
I think I've heard this excuse before. The standard wording is, "I vas just followink orders." And now he is rewarded with a comfortable life in California, cooking borscht and tending his flowers.
That is just anecdotal. The real issue: Brazil is in a political upheaval, its streets are dangerous, police corrupt, finances down the tubes, transportation a nightmare. The Olympic sites are not ready. The waters for the endurance swimming events are befouled with fecal mater and a bacterial level over 1 million times deemed safe. The air is filled with mosquitoes carrying zika. Russian track and field teams are about to be barred. Kenya is next. In a word: It’s a disaster.
These games need to be suspended or moved to an existing site with facilities still operational -- LA, perhaps? -- and the Olympic committee needs to review its criteria for awarding the games, and clean up its act in general. Bribery is rampant, although not at the level FIFA attained (next World Cup in Russia!), their record for corruption will never be broken. Unless drastic action is taken, officials dismissed and possibly jailed, and the committee reconstructed from top to bottom: The Olympics are over, dead, kaput.
I think I've heard this excuse before. The standard wording is, "I vas just followink orders." And now he is rewarded with a comfortable life in California, cooking borscht and tending his flowers.
That is just anecdotal. The real issue: Brazil is in a political upheaval, its streets are dangerous, police corrupt, finances down the tubes, transportation a nightmare. The Olympic sites are not ready. The waters for the endurance swimming events are befouled with fecal mater and a bacterial level over 1 million times deemed safe. The air is filled with mosquitoes carrying zika. Russian track and field teams are about to be barred. Kenya is next. In a word: It’s a disaster.
These games need to be suspended or moved to an existing site with facilities still operational -- LA, perhaps? -- and the Olympic committee needs to review its criteria for awarding the games, and clean up its act in general. Bribery is rampant, although not at the level FIFA attained (next World Cup in Russia!), their record for corruption will never be broken. Unless drastic action is taken, officials dismissed and possibly jailed, and the committee reconstructed from top to bottom: The Olympics are over, dead, kaput.
38
Agree, 100%...
1
You apparently seem to be under the delusion that taking a bold, public step against neo-fascist, serial liar putin is a "comfortable life?" How well did that work out for Litvinienko, Politskaya, Nemtsov, Khodorovsky, and others?
Everybody reading here who has been keeping score fully understands that you're on the standard putinist 1-2 play. 1: personally attack the accuser and claim that it was no big deal anyway, and 2: try to derail the conversation to an unrelated topic. Been there, done that.
Of course, the rest of us realize that his evidence is anything but "anecdotal" (try looking up what that term actually means). Instead, he has presented in a step by step way a clear picture of what was done and who did it, including specifics of the exact methods used.
The Olympics went ahead in mexico city and they can go ahead in Brazil. The message simply cannot be that the olympics are the domain of extremely wealthy cities like London or corruptocracies like Russia or China. But right now, the issue is Russia's institutional cheating not just at the level of athletics programs but at the level of state security agencies. Plus or minus the kremlin and east germany doing this before, this is really unprecedented. A full, decade long ban on Russian participation in olympic sports and the moving of the 2018 world cup to London and/or Germany must be the outcome if these results are further substantiated.
Everybody reading here who has been keeping score fully understands that you're on the standard putinist 1-2 play. 1: personally attack the accuser and claim that it was no big deal anyway, and 2: try to derail the conversation to an unrelated topic. Been there, done that.
Of course, the rest of us realize that his evidence is anything but "anecdotal" (try looking up what that term actually means). Instead, he has presented in a step by step way a clear picture of what was done and who did it, including specifics of the exact methods used.
The Olympics went ahead in mexico city and they can go ahead in Brazil. The message simply cannot be that the olympics are the domain of extremely wealthy cities like London or corruptocracies like Russia or China. But right now, the issue is Russia's institutional cheating not just at the level of athletics programs but at the level of state security agencies. Plus or minus the kremlin and east germany doing this before, this is really unprecedented. A full, decade long ban on Russian participation in olympic sports and the moving of the 2018 world cup to London and/or Germany must be the outcome if these results are further substantiated.
3
James, are you deliberately misinterpreting my words, or are you really that obtuse? (Look it up.)
The anecdote is my commenting on Rodchenkov when the big issue is the survival of the Olympics, period. His possibly being in danger, given his complicity in the crimes, is not something anybody else should be worry about. And where in the world did you get the idea I harbor any delusions about Putin? That megalomaniac is recreating the Cold War, along with other relatively minor affronts to world peace, the EU, and sports integrity.
Yes, the Olympics need to be in the domain, not just of the "wealthy cities" because they are too expensive for others to afford, but also those that have the political and physical infrastructure -- or can afford to build the latter -- in place, a priori. Not out of a sense of entitlement; mere practicality. Brazil's is already a failed game, and that could have been forecast years ago.
The anecdote is my commenting on Rodchenkov when the big issue is the survival of the Olympics, period. His possibly being in danger, given his complicity in the crimes, is not something anybody else should be worry about. And where in the world did you get the idea I harbor any delusions about Putin? That megalomaniac is recreating the Cold War, along with other relatively minor affronts to world peace, the EU, and sports integrity.
Yes, the Olympics need to be in the domain, not just of the "wealthy cities" because they are too expensive for others to afford, but also those that have the political and physical infrastructure -- or can afford to build the latter -- in place, a priori. Not out of a sense of entitlement; mere practicality. Brazil's is already a failed game, and that could have been forecast years ago.
This is about as surprising as the dozens of commenters from US locations decrying the institutionalized corruption that is Russian sport. Do a little reading about Carl Lewis and the 1988 US Olympic trials before you accuse the Russians of being on an island on this issue. The Russians in this case were shockingly brazen, but the American examples we know of were no less effective.
5
This totally misses the point that the issue is that Russia has institutionalized, nationalized the doping of its athletes - read the article. Please point to evidence that the USOC and the US Government aided doping by US athletes.
3
I guarantee you U.S,. cross-country ski racing is clean, and these good peopl--especially the women--were cheated of the outcomes to which their hard work entitled them. There may be many isolated instances of American athletes cheating, but there has never the systemic, officially sanctioned and enabled variety of cheating described in this article.
4
Just one more brief comment---if we're talking Olympic luge---all doping is a go...
3
Please cancel the Olympics in Brazil. Let that be the start.
Then, acknowledge and permit drug use and let's see what people can do all pumped up. Everyone will have the same advantage. Then, when there is no longer any advantage to taking performance enhancing drugs, we can return to basic human ability.
Then, acknowledge and permit drug use and let's see what people can do all pumped up. Everyone will have the same advantage. Then, when there is no longer any advantage to taking performance enhancing drugs, we can return to basic human ability.
9
I have a friend that finished 8th in the Olympics years ago. I know she was clean, but most of the finishers in front of her were East Germans or Soviets -- all of which have been shown to have been doping. Oh what could have been if the games had been honest.
10
There is only one sport NBC execs really care about -- women's beach volleyball. Expect to see many hours devoted to that.
5
I am not sure why Sochi is described as "subtropical." Its latitude is 43.6 degrees north, similar to that of Toronto. It's climate is moderate, but cannot credibly be described as subtropical, any more than Nice, France, can be described as subtropical.
7
"It's" should never be used as a possessive pronoun. It's ALWAYS a contraction for "it is."
1
So sad what the lust for dominance will do. They cheat the competition, but they also cheat their own athletes. The message to the latter is that their country doesn't really have faith in them and that winning matters more than their health and well-being.
The Russian paranoid victim mindset, cultivated in the population for nearly a century, allows leaders to get away with such behavior. All they need do is make claims about the rest of the world not wanting great Russia to succeed; trying to smear Russia as usual; and being jealous of Russian greatness. To their people it feels like same old same old, i.e., the rest of the world is out to get us. The assumption, then, is that what the outside world says is all a pack of lies meant to keep Russia down.
The shame of it for others' athletes is that if Russia is blocked from Rio any medals won there will forever have a footnote that an important competitor did not participate.
The Russian paranoid victim mindset, cultivated in the population for nearly a century, allows leaders to get away with such behavior. All they need do is make claims about the rest of the world not wanting great Russia to succeed; trying to smear Russia as usual; and being jealous of Russian greatness. To their people it feels like same old same old, i.e., the rest of the world is out to get us. The assumption, then, is that what the outside world says is all a pack of lies meant to keep Russia down.
The shame of it for others' athletes is that if Russia is blocked from Rio any medals won there will forever have a footnote that an important competitor did not participate.
23
Among countries of the world Ryssia ranks up there in alcoholism, suicide, and a low life expectancy. Very sad. They seem to have a self esteem issue.
Let's see, what's the best reason to ignore the Olympics: rampant state-sponsored doping, or NBC's attempts to turn it into a two-week soap opera? Both sound valid to me.
87
Another reason to avoid this year's Olympics: zika and the highly probable global transmission of it. Thanks Olympics. So glad that people are going to die and be born malformed because we just had to have an Olympics game in Rio at this exact moment. Priorities, though, right?
Strip the dopers!
18
and dope the strippers!!
10
I don't think it's their fault. It is state-run doping.
1
Here's a novel idea. Since everyone is doing it, why don't we stop all of the charades and just make it legal. May the best doper win!
32
Where's your proof that "everyone is doing it"?
Here's a better idea. Stop with the false "everybody's doing it" equivocation when it is clearly not the case that eveybody is engaging is massive state sponsored doping and let's bestow laurels on the best clean athletes.
1
Agree. They clearly wanted to win more than the other countries. That's not "cheating" . . . it's being competitive. I don't see the big deal.
It is time to end the Olympics and all sports competitions. They are all nothing but a sham. The winners are those who are not caught doping yet. That means that a lot of athletes are using banned performance enhancing drugs to win medals but are somehow shielded from being caught at this time. In some instances the anti-doping tests are developed later and they can go back and retest samples from the past. When a government decides to taint the evidence that is not possible. Why are we surprised? The Russians have had a long history of cheating. They have sent men to compete in women's events. They have government sponsored training centers where the athletes themselves might not even know they were doping. Let's end the charade about sportsmanship being a wonderful attribute. Sportsmanship means cheating to win without getting caught.
We can can stop the farce by cancelling the Brazil Olympics. The country is in turmoil, they have the Zika virus, they expect athletes to compete in polluted waters and they are not ready. Unless the Olympics advertises itself as a magic show where you know you are being fooled, then end it now. There is no point in watching a fake display of athletic ability fueled by drugs.
We can can stop the farce by cancelling the Brazil Olympics. The country is in turmoil, they have the Zika virus, they expect athletes to compete in polluted waters and they are not ready. Unless the Olympics advertises itself as a magic show where you know you are being fooled, then end it now. There is no point in watching a fake display of athletic ability fueled by drugs.
84
State Sponsored doping in Russia. What a surprise. And the Kremlin lies. Another surprise.
Ban them from the Olympics.
Ban them from the Olympics.
66
Wow! Who would have thought? The Russians using banned substances to get an edge in the Olympics.
Think back to the early 60s. Russia's Tamara Press dominated the women's shot put and discuss events. Then came mandatory gender verification. Result - Tamara Press retired in 1966, as did her sister, track star, Irene Press.
So, no surprise. It's part of the culture.
Think back to the early 60s. Russia's Tamara Press dominated the women's shot put and discuss events. Then came mandatory gender verification. Result - Tamara Press retired in 1966, as did her sister, track star, Irene Press.
So, no surprise. It's part of the culture.
25
Evidently the prestige and money in organized sports are too great for any meaningful system of control. It's all a sham, those who compete without doping are suckers. I would suggest we just junk it. WWF has more integrity because it is public about having none.
22
All those that won medals because of doping should forfeit the medals and be banned from further olympic games. No wonder we don't trust the Russians.
7
I think Lance Armstrong was American
1
"Clean" professional sports -- which is what the Olympics are -- are like a "secure", "private" internet, fictions designed to make money and keep some people entrenched in power.
Let's just skip the make believe. Let the freak show folks do their thing and, for those of us who really enjoy sports, let us support truly amateur contests.
Let's just skip the make believe. Let the freak show folks do their thing and, for those of us who really enjoy sports, let us support truly amateur contests.
13
There is nothing wrong with professional sports as long as the professionals are honest. And the amateurs have been caught cheating also. Going amateur isn't the answer. Cracking down on the cheaters is the answer.
3
And, apparently, many Russian athletes were on the same drug that Sharapova claimed to need for her heart condition.
18
Cancel the results--all of them, from first to last place finishers. Render the official results to a single line--"Results derecognized due to doping." Sue anyone from those Games who calls themselves an Olympic competitor or participant for misappropriation of property. Ban Russia indefinitely, giving them opportunity for review in 20 years at the earliest. It needs to hurt.
That's for starters.
That's for starters.
17
Russian Gold = Fool's Gold.
4
Dude,
Everyone cheats. Even the most respected scholars take the so called 'brain boosters' or 'mind enhancer' everyday.
Wonder why 'smart people from Asia' score more than any English native speaker on GRE?
Go figure. This is yesterday's olds.
Everyone cheats. Even the most respected scholars take the so called 'brain boosters' or 'mind enhancer' everyday.
Wonder why 'smart people from Asia' score more than any English native speaker on GRE?
Go figure. This is yesterday's olds.
4
No. Not everyone cheats, including scholars.
2
So- Sochi was not only a diversion for the invasion of Crimea - but also a Crime of doping. So much for respecting russians.
12
AS If Non Russian athletes did not cheat. My suspiscion is that, at that level of performance, most, if not all, use any performance-enhancing tool at their disposal. Tools may not always be provided by a state, but they are provided nevertheless.
9
It's somewhat laughable to witness the deluge here on the Times' comment site of self-righteous Americans blast the Russians while conveniently forgetting how tainted their own Olympics have been, especially in track with the "miraculous" Florence Griffith-Joyner. (See the New York Times "Unbelievable Performances" http://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/26/sports/unbelievable-performances-speci.... You know....glass houses and all..... Canada went through this with Ben Johnson. (You went through it with Lance Armstrong, but that wasn't the Olympics.) Time to take a closer look at America's Olympic history.
14
Yes, we are known for taking long honest looks inward because that's what America always does in the end. At least be honest about that. It's called a free, open society with - are you listening Putin? - a FREE PRESS. As for Russia? Are you actually attempting a comparison? A vodka drenched dictatorship with a paranoid, murdering brute at the helm who's so insecure he orchestrates the murder of female journalists who have the courage to criticize him? You're comparing these people to Americans?
1
have individual Americans cheated ? sure , but has the American government conspired to have an entire team of American Olympians defy doping protocols to secure an absolute majority of the highest medals , no , Americans have the right to condemn Russian conspiracy here , because these doping Russians stole earned medals from genuinely prepared American athletes - its not self righteous , its self conscious of the theft of the rewards of labor by a government and society that chooses to lie and steal what it can not earn on by legal effort
3
There certainly have been individual cts of doping by North American atheletes - and it was widespread in cycling - but I've never seen any allegation that there are state sponsored doping programs in the West. This article is about a state program to dope, not individual misbehavior. Maybe you missed that. Try again.
2
No disrespect to the thousands of clean athletic competitors but the Olympics are a bloated, money wasting, corrupt endeavor that would be put out of business.
40
I don't disagree, but so long as the Olympics is privately funded, I'm not gonna lose sleep over it.
3
They may be privately funded, but as with pro baseball and football in the USA, the taxpayers ultimately wind up getting the shaft.
1
We have our own problems with banned substance and enhanced performance,
Mr Armstrong being a most recent example. But the state organizing it and
willing to murder those who might have evidence is one the Russians own to
themselves.
Mr Armstrong being a most recent example. But the state organizing it and
willing to murder those who might have evidence is one the Russians own to
themselves.
35
Move the Summer Games to Athens in perpetuity.
Move the Winter games to someplace cold that needs the money in perpetuity.
Have the athletes compete by name only, not nationality. It's sport, not war.
If you can make money at a sport remove it from the Olympics.
Force competitors to actually qualify so that there an no more Jamaican Bobsled teams or Eddie the Eagles.
Move the Winter games to someplace cold that needs the money in perpetuity.
Have the athletes compete by name only, not nationality. It's sport, not war.
If you can make money at a sport remove it from the Olympics.
Force competitors to actually qualify so that there an no more Jamaican Bobsled teams or Eddie the Eagles.
35
Like most things, nothing will change until people reject it and stop tuning in.
15
Trump admires Putin. They are both criminals, though Putin hasn't declared bankruptcy yet. His country is on the verge, though.
28
Why, I'm shocked!
For this year's Olympic scandal, look to China having bred genetically modified athletes....impossible to "test" for, yet it's been a known possibility for at least 20 years. Let's see if there are suspiciously "fantastic" accomplishments.
For this year's Olympic scandal, look to China having bred genetically modified athletes....impossible to "test" for, yet it's been a known possibility for at least 20 years. Let's see if there are suspiciously "fantastic" accomplishments.
11
Russian defector claims he made moonshine of: three-drug cocktail of banned substances mixed with liquor for athletes. What a story and "For hours each night, they worked in a shadow laboratory lit by a single lamp, passing bottles of urine through a hand-size hole in the wall, to be ready for testing the next day, he said.
4
Like the high-level hackers in east Kakishtan, or wherever, can't the Russians train their greatest minds to do something more useful?
9
Two words for anyone outraged by Russia's PED accusers - Lance Armstrong!
6
Two words for you from the article -
State Sponsored.
State Sponsored.
21
Uou are "missing" the.all important difference and therefore are making illogical.error. Armstrong fraud was not state orchestrated and supported. Sochi circus was...
8
I was outraged by Armstrong's cheating AND by this. Why do you seem to think that one excuses the other?
And yet what will all this come to ?
In Russia, more bodies probably.
For the US, who really believes doping has disappeared, in the NFL ? In the infernal rhythm of the NBA ? The important difference is the privately operated nature of it all.
In countries like France, the people enthralled by Russia and Putin will see that as another CIA manipulation (as stupid as that may be).
For the world sports instances ? Some PR and communication extra work and more money to be grabbed by their leaders from ... Whoever.
For the olympics in Brazil ? Nothing.
Just like politics, when it comes to put in place effective checks and balances, the dual language of modern cynical Public communication comes to play with the press playing along.
In Russia, more bodies probably.
For the US, who really believes doping has disappeared, in the NFL ? In the infernal rhythm of the NBA ? The important difference is the privately operated nature of it all.
In countries like France, the people enthralled by Russia and Putin will see that as another CIA manipulation (as stupid as that may be).
For the world sports instances ? Some PR and communication extra work and more money to be grabbed by their leaders from ... Whoever.
For the olympics in Brazil ? Nothing.
Just like politics, when it comes to put in place effective checks and balances, the dual language of modern cynical Public communication comes to play with the press playing along.
3
Once again, the classic scene from Casablanca comes to mind, which can be adapted to any false outrage:
"I am shocked, shocked that doping is going on!"
"Your medals, sir."
"Oh, thank you."
"I am shocked, shocked that doping is going on!"
"Your medals, sir."
"Oh, thank you."
13
"Responding to the cascade of accusations, Mr. Putin called for an inquiry ...."
As Captain Renault from the movie Casablanca might say, "I'm shocked, shocked to find that [doping] is going on in here!"
As Captain Renault from the movie Casablanca might say, "I'm shocked, shocked to find that [doping] is going on in here!"
3
And we're surprised? The Russian recording on doping and cheating in sports is widely known and well documented. The Russians also cheat on arms and defense treaties. Nothing new there either. Mostly the Russians cannot be trusted.
So, what to do? Mr. Obama of course will wring his hands in despair and continue to naively believe that Russia will negotiate treaties and agreements and scrupulously hold to the terms. He will also believe that the Russians will investigate all claims of cheating and doping regardless if the cheating the is olympics or the arms treaties.
In the meantime the United States should not wait for the Russians to take any action in any cheating affair and should take every action necessary to make public the corruption and duplicity of the Russians.
First of all its time to ban Russia from the Olympics. And just for a year or two years. Also every Russian athlete involved should be banned for life from participating in any Olympic games. No exceptions.
Russia too should pay a substantial penalty along with its so-called Olympic athletes. Every medal won by every Russian should be forfeited. Every event in which they won even a button should be declared for the next athlete who is not a Russian.
Bottom line: Hold Russian and its athletes equally responsible.
So, what to do? Mr. Obama of course will wring his hands in despair and continue to naively believe that Russia will negotiate treaties and agreements and scrupulously hold to the terms. He will also believe that the Russians will investigate all claims of cheating and doping regardless if the cheating the is olympics or the arms treaties.
In the meantime the United States should not wait for the Russians to take any action in any cheating affair and should take every action necessary to make public the corruption and duplicity of the Russians.
First of all its time to ban Russia from the Olympics. And just for a year or two years. Also every Russian athlete involved should be banned for life from participating in any Olympic games. No exceptions.
Russia too should pay a substantial penalty along with its so-called Olympic athletes. Every medal won by every Russian should be forfeited. Every event in which they won even a button should be declared for the next athlete who is not a Russian.
Bottom line: Hold Russian and its athletes equally responsible.
4
"Mostly the Russians cannot be trusted..."
Oh, really? Well, I guess we gonna try to live with that.
And what about, for example, that memorable Colin Powell's UN presentation?
If we did what we are being accused of we should take full responsibility and be punished severely. But even in the worst case scenario our (state-orchestrated) lies will not result in ancient countries being turned into a mess and dozens of thousands of innocent people getting killed. And before you start bringing Ukraine, Crimea, whatever, please check the map first. Coming from the country that has been almost at will sending its troops overseas to places its own people, quite naturally, know nothing and couldn't care less about, and most importantly, on false pretences, or promoting kidney traffickers to freedom fighters (Kosovo, anyone), you are in no position whatsoever to pull the higher moral ground on me as a Russian personally, let alone on my country. Making sweeping generalizations will get you nowhere, especially taking into account the not so pristine track record of your great (no sarcasm here) country, be it doping issues or anything else.
Best regards from the untrustworthy Mother Russia, dear irreproachable Jay!
P.S. And no, I'm not one of those pathetic Kremlin bots, if you want to play this card. Just truing to see things in more than just black and white.
Oh, really? Well, I guess we gonna try to live with that.
And what about, for example, that memorable Colin Powell's UN presentation?
If we did what we are being accused of we should take full responsibility and be punished severely. But even in the worst case scenario our (state-orchestrated) lies will not result in ancient countries being turned into a mess and dozens of thousands of innocent people getting killed. And before you start bringing Ukraine, Crimea, whatever, please check the map first. Coming from the country that has been almost at will sending its troops overseas to places its own people, quite naturally, know nothing and couldn't care less about, and most importantly, on false pretences, or promoting kidney traffickers to freedom fighters (Kosovo, anyone), you are in no position whatsoever to pull the higher moral ground on me as a Russian personally, let alone on my country. Making sweeping generalizations will get you nowhere, especially taking into account the not so pristine track record of your great (no sarcasm here) country, be it doping issues or anything else.
Best regards from the untrustworthy Mother Russia, dear irreproachable Jay!
P.S. And no, I'm not one of those pathetic Kremlin bots, if you want to play this card. Just truing to see things in more than just black and white.
Left Column above the Fold - Lead Article - hmmmmmmmmm!
so the real story is the Agenda of the NYT !
so the real story is the Agenda of the NYT !
Now you know how Putin got those pecs.
6
I'm over this. I no longer watch sporting events. I assume they are all as fixed as "Live Wrasslin".
4
Dr. R doesn't exactly seem sorry for his actions. Why did he dish to the filmmakers? Just for a consultant's fee? Surely, they won't keep him safe. I think I missed something . . .
4
never never never trust totolitarain governments. Or Lance Armstrong :)
1
"I am shocked, shocked, shocked I tell you."
2
Pulling back a bit further, hasn't the Olympics overall become a sham? Frankly, there's nothing left of the spirit is was founded on.
4
Despite all the cynicism evinced by comments here, this is an excellent expose.
10
I probably did something wrong and my previous comment was not published.
So I need to ask once again
How come NYT published accusation in such a serious crime being supported by only one source?
Moreover, the "investigation" is not supported by any details on how the operation of the urine tests replacement was implemented. Once it is said that replacement was made "somehow" and the next time the writer to be perfectly honest says that it is a "mystery" how the tests were changed.
How come none of the numerous evidence that mr. Rodchenkov possesses were reported in the investigation?
All I want to say: If all that mr Rodchenkov says is true, then a serious crime took place and all the involved must be punished. But the way the story is covered in here: no facts, one source, no evidence or even details - it really compromises the accusation itself and basic principles of journalism ethics in particular.
Sorry for my English, I am not a native speaker
So I need to ask once again
How come NYT published accusation in such a serious crime being supported by only one source?
Moreover, the "investigation" is not supported by any details on how the operation of the urine tests replacement was implemented. Once it is said that replacement was made "somehow" and the next time the writer to be perfectly honest says that it is a "mystery" how the tests were changed.
How come none of the numerous evidence that mr. Rodchenkov possesses were reported in the investigation?
All I want to say: If all that mr Rodchenkov says is true, then a serious crime took place and all the involved must be punished. But the way the story is covered in here: no facts, one source, no evidence or even details - it really compromises the accusation itself and basic principles of journalism ethics in particular.
Sorry for my English, I am not a native speaker
2
Other Russian athletes have made the same accusations. WADA has found more Russians doping than any other country. Russia admits they have a doping problem. And you act surprised.
1
Marina, The story points out that Dr. Rodchenkov's statements are consistent with the World Anti-Doping Agency's findings. As such his story is seen more as providing detail to those findings, from someone "on the inside."
The story also says he provided the Times with emails and a spreadsheet with corroborating information. Documentation, properly verified, is considered a source.
Ultimately, though, it is the credibility of the source that is the issue. Dr. Rodchenkov certainly was in a position to know the things cited here. Yes, his motivation for making his accusations could be questioned: he's trying to protect himself, and he obviously is indebted to the filmmaker. But he is not indebted to the Times. The Times does not pay its sources; no mainstream American newspaper does. So that is also reason to take his word as the truth, at least as he sees it.
The Times also asked for Russian response, which is cited here.
This story is not presented as the absolute truth. It is significant, however, that someone in Dr. Rodchenkov's position would say what he's saying. News agencies often have to weigh various issues when deciding whether to publish such a story, and in this case The Times decided that what they had was strong enough to go with it.
Your English, by the way, is very good.
The story also says he provided the Times with emails and a spreadsheet with corroborating information. Documentation, properly verified, is considered a source.
Ultimately, though, it is the credibility of the source that is the issue. Dr. Rodchenkov certainly was in a position to know the things cited here. Yes, his motivation for making his accusations could be questioned: he's trying to protect himself, and he obviously is indebted to the filmmaker. But he is not indebted to the Times. The Times does not pay its sources; no mainstream American newspaper does. So that is also reason to take his word as the truth, at least as he sees it.
The Times also asked for Russian response, which is cited here.
This story is not presented as the absolute truth. It is significant, however, that someone in Dr. Rodchenkov's position would say what he's saying. News agencies often have to weigh various issues when deciding whether to publish such a story, and in this case The Times decided that what they had was strong enough to go with it.
Your English, by the way, is very good.
7
They are already being punished with two of the perpetrators having died unexpectedly.
1
The important point of the article is that doping is STATE sponsored in Russia. There have been many doping scandels, almost all of them involved individuals.
Multiple sources, including Russian atheletes have gone on record stating that doping is systemic in Russia and sponsored by the Kremlin.
Russia today under Putin is corrupt to the core, from top to bottom. Lying is intrinsic to Putins state craft. As are murder, intimidation and theft on a massive scale.
None of this surprises.
Multiple sources, including Russian atheletes have gone on record stating that doping is systemic in Russia and sponsored by the Kremlin.
Russia today under Putin is corrupt to the core, from top to bottom. Lying is intrinsic to Putins state craft. As are murder, intimidation and theft on a massive scale.
None of this surprises.
4
I do not care about the nationalistic Olympics . I do not care about records set in any professional sport save golf. Even the so called amateur ranks are rife with cheating, college athletics front and center.
So let's stop pretending. Dope yourselves as much as you want, claim you have done nothing wrong, and may the best pharmacologist win.
So let's stop pretending. Dope yourselves as much as you want, claim you have done nothing wrong, and may the best pharmacologist win.
1
Great photo of those bottles.
2
State-run doping? If true, the russians should be expelled from the games, and its government made to pay a hefty fine if, after a reasonable time, say 5 to 10 years, they can show to everybody's satisfaction that official doping is not to be allowed in sports. Doping to gain advantage is not only illegal but a nasty and sneaky way to show prowess for his/her country's glory and political ambition. The germans under soviet control (during the 'cold war') did similar acts of corruption, state-sanctioned, so nothing novel. One more reason to keep participants honest by systematic testing.
3
Since Mr Rodchenkov is in the US, the State Dept and the AG of the US should mandate an extended stay until this story is examined objectively. In the Soviet Bloc, sports were always viewed as a collective enterprise with participants and their families getting additional benefits. Putin has taken this model to make it another vignette of his present-day cult of personality.
2
“Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing” - UCLA Bruins football coach Henry Russell ("Red") Sanders.
A total victory of capitalism over communism can now be officially considered fait accompli .
A total victory of capitalism over communism can now be officially considered fait accompli .
2
The miracle is not that the Russians almost got away with it; the miracle is that Grigory Rodchenkov lived to talk about it.
37
Olympics = NASCAR = WrestleMania = Dancing with the Stars = The Apprentice = Survivor = Any vapid, money-driven, corporate sponsored pile of pop drivel you can name.
Time to shut down the Olympics for a couple of generations and let future, truly amateur athletes, decide whether to bring it back
Time to shut down the Olympics for a couple of generations and let future, truly amateur athletes, decide whether to bring it back
10
....and this is why, among many other reasons, i do not watch sports, except for the FIFA world cup soccer. and look what happened to FIFA. sporting events nowadays are nothing but distraction.
2
Lived in former Soviet Union from '93 - '98, an NGO/USAID mercenary with russian language skills, basically, back when the US government was trying to build civic society in Russia and the former republics (sounds so laughable now, doesn't it). Was frequently amazed at the degree of naivete displayed by USAID folks with regard to the true nature of politics, politicians and real life for people outside the embassy. This naivete and disconnect was also reflected in international press coverage of the region, specifically the NY Times. But hopefully the rose colored glasses are off and we now understand the deep, profound cynicism and disregard for rule of law that is part of the DNA of those governments.
13
If you worked for USAID in Russia in the 90s you must have heard of Andrei Shleifer and Jonathan Hay from Harvard Institute for International Development funded by USAID. If you recall the story they were investigated by the US Congress for using personal relationships for private gain. How is that or the rule of law that USAID was trying to bring to Russia?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_Institute_for_International_Develo...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_Institute_for_International_Develo...
4
Once again this shows how corruption and power-play has soaked into the Russian system and has become a culture and embodiment. This all goes to the Leadership in Russia - which encourages and abets all this. They know they cannot do this right way so they plan all along to do it the dirty way.
3
Remember those East German female swimmers? Were you just naive the. Or did you not think they were a little weird? Just because the doping was under wraps doesn't mean it didn't exist. Go back and view tapes of some of those eastern bloc female athletes, and then talk about the former purity.
1
I used to love watching the Olympics. I looked forward to it every four years and I do not watch sports at all.
But now I could not care less. Waste my precious time watching fixed games? What is the point? How boring!!
But now I could not care less. Waste my precious time watching fixed games? What is the point? How boring!!
4
Putin gangster administration...the Czar of the Russian mafia.
5
Russia is a country led by a criminal, so it's not surprising that the government engages in criminal behavior. It's frightening to see other countries, such as Turkey, electing leaders who are totalitarians with no respect for law. Donald Trump, anyone?
12
Can we finally just take for granted that ALL sporting events have participants that are taking drugs - have taken drugs - or will eventually take drugs.
Maybe the sports pages can include with each sports "report" the drug amounts and those drugged participants along with the scores. Or perhaps a separate SDR...Score Drug Report...
Whatta ya say?
Maybe the sports pages can include with each sports "report" the drug amounts and those drugged participants along with the scores. Or perhaps a separate SDR...Score Drug Report...
Whatta ya say?
3
Let's hope Dr. Rodchenkov finds a safe house in LA or can go into a witness protection program by tomorrow. Because starting on Saturday, there's a mark on his head and there are enough Russians throughout LA to address the situation.
6
My favorite sports do not involve keeping score: Hiking, scuba diving, mountain biking.
If you insist on keeping time, don't track how long it takes you to run or bike your favorite course. Instead, keep track of how many days pass before you do it again. From a fitness point of view, that's a far more important number.
If you insist on keeping time, don't track how long it takes you to run or bike your favorite course. Instead, keep track of how many days pass before you do it again. From a fitness point of view, that's a far more important number.
7
This is just bunch of lie to be making Russia looking bad.
Signed,
Bobby from Peoria Illinois who is real American for sure I am telling you
Signed,
Bobby from Peoria Illinois who is real American for sure I am telling you
17
The main result of
the morality-free zone
that is Russian sport
the morality-free zone
that is Russian sport
1
Well I hope Dr. Rodchenkov is in some sort of witness protection program or other. If I were him, I would be very worried that Putin will catch up to me.
4
Why single Russia ? Is it because other wealthy and scientifically sophisticated Western countries want to appear clean and honest than thou and that God forbid, doping is far from their vocabulary.
Bashing Putin is in vogue right now but come on....Surely , no one is so thick as to forget a bunch of super athletes caught doping in the U.S. and of course the master of it all Armstrong, the cyclist.
It is rather disingenuous to be pointing fingers at others when one is part of the same cultural practices of being superior at any cost.
Bashing Putin is in vogue right now but come on....Surely , no one is so thick as to forget a bunch of super athletes caught doping in the U.S. and of course the master of it all Armstrong, the cyclist.
It is rather disingenuous to be pointing fingers at others when one is part of the same cultural practices of being superior at any cost.
6
All good points regarding other "users". The difference is a willingness to recognize that the crime was perpetrated. I don't think you'll see Putin owning up to a government effort to dope. However, here, Lance was nailed and exposed - no government official spoke against the facts.. Big difference.
2
Agreed. However, there is no evidence that Putin was directly involved and which seems to me is the daily chant of any one in the U.S. that wants to blame everything on everyone else except their own participation in murder and mayhem in every corner of the world.
You may appreciate the fact that what we are fed in the news is only what serves the establishment. It is a formula that has worked very well for the elite and it is a cheap solution to keep people ignorant and uninformed.
The establishment gives refuge willingly to the U.S. as long as they can spill some beans, whether true or not. Ahmad Shalaby was one of those who they believed and paid millions in order to get sucked into Iraq.
I can go on and on but basically, what Western countries can get away with is no more and no less than Russia or China ...they are all in the same category for money and pride.
You may appreciate the fact that what we are fed in the news is only what serves the establishment. It is a formula that has worked very well for the elite and it is a cheap solution to keep people ignorant and uninformed.
The establishment gives refuge willingly to the U.S. as long as they can spill some beans, whether true or not. Ahmad Shalaby was one of those who they believed and paid millions in order to get sucked into Iraq.
I can go on and on but basically, what Western countries can get away with is no more and no less than Russia or China ...they are all in the same category for money and pride.
1
If this story is true, it is sad on so many levels.
Sad, as in "pathetic" - like the way Donald Trump uses it - how the might have fallen in dignity and self-respect.
Sad, as in "unfortunate" - some of my favorite Olympic athletes are Russian and competed on behalf of Russia, and while none of them were implicated in this article, this scandal potentially calls their achievements into question.
And it is SAD, as in "upsetting", that a country that I have tried to respect for its culture and history (despite our mainstream media's negative coverage of it) has once again reinforced its dark image. I still haven't gotten over Maria Sharapova's suspension.
I thought the Sochi opening ceremony was truly beautiful. Despite Crimea and Putin's hard-faced presence, I enjoyed the event very much. And now - if this account is true - we are to believe that many of the host nation's athletes had won their gold dishonestly. How heartbreaking. How crushing. How sad.
Sad, as in "pathetic" - like the way Donald Trump uses it - how the might have fallen in dignity and self-respect.
Sad, as in "unfortunate" - some of my favorite Olympic athletes are Russian and competed on behalf of Russia, and while none of them were implicated in this article, this scandal potentially calls their achievements into question.
And it is SAD, as in "upsetting", that a country that I have tried to respect for its culture and history (despite our mainstream media's negative coverage of it) has once again reinforced its dark image. I still haven't gotten over Maria Sharapova's suspension.
I thought the Sochi opening ceremony was truly beautiful. Despite Crimea and Putin's hard-faced presence, I enjoyed the event very much. And now - if this account is true - we are to believe that many of the host nation's athletes had won their gold dishonestly. How heartbreaking. How crushing. How sad.
3
The differences might be, medalists supported by a state-sanctioned doping program, or medalists supported by a private, me-and-my-coach sanctioned doping program.
The athlete is left between never medaling and being honest, or being dishonest to have a chance.
The athlete is left between never medaling and being honest, or being dishonest to have a chance.
2
Undermining the integrity of the Olympics?? You have got to be kidding.
The Olympics is the Premier doping trade show.
The Olympics is the Premier doping trade show.
7
Is this guy supporting the doping charges but by saying he placed the drugs in cocktails implying the athletes didn't know? There is not much difference between these people and the Soviets. They are only mildly acquainted with truth and honesty.
1
I saw an 1965 movie about the Tokyo Olympiad, and that seems like such an innocent era compared to the games of today. There was nationalism and commercialism for a while, but once it crosses the line, I lose interest.
3
Sochi marathon cross country ski (50K) - Russians finished 1-2-3. They beat the best Swedish and Norwegian skiiers. Yet in the world cup , those same skiiers rarely were on the podium. Nuff said.
25
This article doesn`t lool like propaganda It look`s like complete absurd
1.How can athlets drink Wiskey as a doping. Wiskey is alchol and last time i drynk Wiskey i hardly got home.
2. If there was doping program made by goverment with support of secret service why did his sister went to jail? It`s absurd. She must be out law.
3. If there was goverment doping program, how did
athletes were chosen? Why only third but not all were on doping?
4. Athletes that participate in Olympics are not people from street they were checked on other Olympic games. They were clean everywhere but suddenly dictator fluids from Putin made them use doping. Main thing for athlete is being sure that all is o`kay and doping takes more than gives.
5. Rodchenkov said that he went to USA because he was afraid. Other doping official died from heart failure because it was schock for him not because he was murdered. Why does he think that Russian people will not find and kill him?
6. According to Russian sports minister Rodchenkov got laboratory in LA. If Rodchenkov is criminal why is he allowed to work with doping in USA.
All this story smels like Goebbels popaganda. A big lie (German: große Lüge) is a propaganda technique. The expression was coined by Adolf Hitler, when he dictated his 1925 book Mein Kampf, about the use of a lie so "colossal" that no one would believe that someone "could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously." -
1.How can athlets drink Wiskey as a doping. Wiskey is alchol and last time i drynk Wiskey i hardly got home.
2. If there was doping program made by goverment with support of secret service why did his sister went to jail? It`s absurd. She must be out law.
3. If there was goverment doping program, how did
athletes were chosen? Why only third but not all were on doping?
4. Athletes that participate in Olympics are not people from street they were checked on other Olympic games. They were clean everywhere but suddenly dictator fluids from Putin made them use doping. Main thing for athlete is being sure that all is o`kay and doping takes more than gives.
5. Rodchenkov said that he went to USA because he was afraid. Other doping official died from heart failure because it was schock for him not because he was murdered. Why does he think that Russian people will not find and kill him?
6. According to Russian sports minister Rodchenkov got laboratory in LA. If Rodchenkov is criminal why is he allowed to work with doping in USA.
All this story smels like Goebbels popaganda. A big lie (German: große Lüge) is a propaganda technique. The expression was coined by Adolf Hitler, when he dictated his 1925 book Mein Kampf, about the use of a lie so "colossal" that no one would believe that someone "could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously." -
1
Give it up.
1
This is news? It might as easily have appeared as "news" fifty years ago and related to the Soviet Union.
13
The Russians have probably been doing this for a long time. Vladimir Kuts, who won two gold medals in track at the 1956 Olympics, was rumored to be taking performance enhancing drugs in the 1950s. The East Germans were probably better at doping than anybody else. Some of their athletes have admitted doping, but their medals and records have not been taken away. There should be real punishments for state sponsored doping. The East Germans also need to have their records expunged.
28
Rodchenkov didn't provide a scintilla of proof whatsoever. And he is about ti get a political asylum in the us. I know many immigrants from former USSR countries who were telling wild lies to the uscis officers to get political asylum, posing as opposition leaders, Christian sect members, Belorussians running from evil dictator, etc, etc. All these "refugees" were traveling back to visit their countries months after obtaining legal status in us. Knowing how much NYT loves Russians, nyt should show us some evidence to be taken seriously, I mean besides he said she said. Right now it looks like a good old smear campaign.
14
You're kind of backed into a corner when three Russians are witnesses to state-sponsored doping and one being the person that ran the drug testing program for the Sochi Olympics. The other two are dead. No amount of Russian disinformation can spin this. You know it's bad when Russians are turning against their own country.
2
He's an eyewitness. That counts for something.
Also, the article quotes a corroborating witness.
Also, they have a picture of the otherwise-mysterious hole in the wall which used in the scheme.
Also, the whole thing fits with a previous WADA report, which was based on a separate body of evidence submitted by two whistleblowers.
How much more evidence do you need?
And nothing in the article indicates that this guy is seeking political asylum.
Also, the article quotes a corroborating witness.
Also, they have a picture of the otherwise-mysterious hole in the wall which used in the scheme.
Also, the whole thing fits with a previous WADA report, which was based on a separate body of evidence submitted by two whistleblowers.
How much more evidence do you need?
And nothing in the article indicates that this guy is seeking political asylum.
2
Completely agree with you. You don't know what to make of the US government and the media, including the NY Times, going after Russia. The US government comes across as belligerent and spoiling for a fight, and Russia answers back in dignified and measured words.
It's remarkable that, based on the comments here below, Times readers have no interest in the fact that this doping was a government operation. Presumably this is just one more act of the Putin regime that can be blamed on the expansion of NATO.
17
Putin is a criminal and Russia is no different than if a KGB officer ran the Soviet regime.
2
What is your evidence of government involvement? Not wishful thinking, not hearsay. EVIDENCE. I wonder if you would know the difference. NATO's bases on the world map - is the EVIDENCE of NATO expansion.
I'm interested in watching the sun rise, but it happens every day, as does Russian cheating. One tends to get numbed to these reports. There's certainly no surprise, and then we get the usual Russian indignant denials. So it goes.
2
as meaningful as a gold fish swallowing contest.
the only Olympics I watch is the special olympics
the only Olympics I watch is the special olympics
13
When and why did the Olympics become a contest between nations rather than the athletes themselves? Do away with the flags and anthems. Drop the medal counts. Just play the games.
43
when: since the beginning, 776 b.c.
why: since ancient times competitive sports have held symbolism of national, regional, city, cultural, religious and ethnic pride.
"The (ancient olympic) games became a political tool used by city-states to assert dominance over their rivals. Politicians would announce political alliances at the games, and in times of war, priests would offer sacrifices to the gods for victory. The games were also used to help spread Hellenistic culture throughout the Mediterranean. During the celebration of the games, an Olympic Truce was enacted so that athletes could travel from their countries to the games in safety."
"A victorious athlete brought great honour to his home city. The sixth-century Athenian statesman Solon promoted athletics by rewarding Athenian victors at the Games financially. 500 drachmae." (sponsorships) Religion pervaded the ancient Olympics. Zeus was thought to look down on the competitors, favouring some and denying victory to others. 'You could spur on a man with natural talent to strive towards great glory with the help of the gods'. -pindar - 5th C. b.c.
the modern games continued in this tradition.
then of course there were the 1936 berlin games... jesse owens.
they have never been "just games".
why: since ancient times competitive sports have held symbolism of national, regional, city, cultural, religious and ethnic pride.
"The (ancient olympic) games became a political tool used by city-states to assert dominance over their rivals. Politicians would announce political alliances at the games, and in times of war, priests would offer sacrifices to the gods for victory. The games were also used to help spread Hellenistic culture throughout the Mediterranean. During the celebration of the games, an Olympic Truce was enacted so that athletes could travel from their countries to the games in safety."
"A victorious athlete brought great honour to his home city. The sixth-century Athenian statesman Solon promoted athletics by rewarding Athenian victors at the Games financially. 500 drachmae." (sponsorships) Religion pervaded the ancient Olympics. Zeus was thought to look down on the competitors, favouring some and denying victory to others. 'You could spur on a man with natural talent to strive towards great glory with the help of the gods'. -pindar - 5th C. b.c.
the modern games continued in this tradition.
then of course there were the 1936 berlin games... jesse owens.
they have never been "just games".
1
For those who think the Olympics should be ended, this upcoming Summer Games in Brazil may put a nail in that coffin. That ANYONE would be allowed to enter the water in Guanabara is astonishing but if they manage to somehow clean it up for the games but not for their own people is criminal. Or should be.
88
anyone who enters the water there should have not only their urine, but their blood and faeces tested to make sure they haven't been poisoned.
8
Not to mention the Zika virus, still active in the favellas. Or, the completely corrupt government and lawlessness. Why are we sending Americans into that poverty sinkhole of crime, pollution and danger? I understand that it takes years to prepare and not to participate would be huge loss. How does that compare to loss of life?
Poor, sad, Olympic movement. Troubled by scandal and doping; not enough snow for the Winter Games; so much mega-corporate and obscene state-sponsored "investment". In spite of all of the wonder and personal achievement that has and can come out of these Games, the whole thing seems rotten to the core to say the least. The time has come to shut the whole thing down and attempt an earnest re-invention. It may take 20 years; it may never come back. So be it.
27
They will never shut it down. Too many bribes to get, too much business possibilities. Only way to change something - do not watch it, all of us.
5
Because Russia, as well as the Soviet Union before it, has insidiously broken the rules, you're advocating that the Olympics should be shut down? Talk about knee-jerk reactions.
1
People who call for the legalization of doping (or Performance Enhancing Drugs PEDs) forget one thing: Who will prescribe these drugs?
Before a drug is legal it goes through incredible testing and 2 pivotal clinical trials. Doses are determined and side effects noted. So who will take the risk for each drug? Who finances the trials? Will a trial be used for each sport? Drugs used in weight lifting are entirely different than those used in cycling.
Or do we run out and ask the cheaters what doses of drugs they used? Like asking street narcotic addicts what dose they use to determine what drug relieves pain?
How about combinations? Who will do a clinical trial of testosterone + HGH + EPO? Anyone want to take that risk?
The lawsuits that would emerge would be enormous. Side effects will include aggression, injuries, tumors,heart attacks and strokes, birth defects, depression, suicide, endocrine imbalance, and sudden death. (those are all documented). What physician would prescribe such drugs?
Read Fausts Gold about the East German Doping Machine, and tell me if birth defects and cancer are side effects worth Olympic Gold?
Before a drug is legal it goes through incredible testing and 2 pivotal clinical trials. Doses are determined and side effects noted. So who will take the risk for each drug? Who finances the trials? Will a trial be used for each sport? Drugs used in weight lifting are entirely different than those used in cycling.
Or do we run out and ask the cheaters what doses of drugs they used? Like asking street narcotic addicts what dose they use to determine what drug relieves pain?
How about combinations? Who will do a clinical trial of testosterone + HGH + EPO? Anyone want to take that risk?
The lawsuits that would emerge would be enormous. Side effects will include aggression, injuries, tumors,heart attacks and strokes, birth defects, depression, suicide, endocrine imbalance, and sudden death. (those are all documented). What physician would prescribe such drugs?
Read Fausts Gold about the East German Doping Machine, and tell me if birth defects and cancer are side effects worth Olympic Gold?
4
"Before a drug is legal it goes through incredible testing and 2 pivotal clinical trials. Doses are determined and side effects noted."
Ha ha ha! It's nice to see the word "incredible" used properly for a change: https://www.beaconreader.com/dan-walter/safe-enough
Ha ha ha! It's nice to see the word "incredible" used properly for a change: https://www.beaconreader.com/dan-walter/safe-enough
I know the U.S. is corrupt enough, but the Russian government is just dirty. They think like children and act like sociopaths. Why would anyone listen to anything a gov't official says? I suspect it is only the foolishly naive in that country who trust anything their leaders say.
12
We shouldn't feel self-righteous, even if this is true. American sports is saturated with drugs, legal and illegal.
14
This is always the typical response, yet like corruption in China, and corruption here, there is a vast difference in depth and degree.
3
In regard to American, Olympic athletes, how so, David? Let's see your proof all the way from New Hampshire.
1
Putin's Russia plays by its own rules. It invades its neighbors and practices state sponsored doping to win international competitions. Sad.
16
Right. When *we* invade, it's not neighbors.
And since we write the doping rules, we know what to use so it's undetected.
And since we write the doping rules, we know what to use so it's undetected.
11
"We" dont write the doping rules, international organizations do. "We" dont invade neighbors, annex their territory and lie about it incessently.
2
We wrote the doping rules for the Olympics?
It may be time to just shut the Olympics down.
[And the public threat of the Zika virus this year is the perfect opportunity.]
Like obsession with corrupted professional sports, let's instead focus on and engender sports and activity for all—"sports for the participant" instead of the stadium—sports for the health and joy of movement and camaraderie.
[And the public threat of the Zika virus this year is the perfect opportunity.]
Like obsession with corrupted professional sports, let's instead focus on and engender sports and activity for all—"sports for the participant" instead of the stadium—sports for the health and joy of movement and camaraderie.
14
will not happen. too much money involved. Only way - do not watch it
4
Really nice article!
Well documented, thank you/
It would be nice to have other testimonies, all of it semms kind of "partial". But I understand that witnesses are hard to find :D
Well documented, thank you/
It would be nice to have other testimonies, all of it semms kind of "partial". But I understand that witnesses are hard to find :D
4
This is hardly a surprise. Russia had the home field advantage in this "pretend top athletes don't use doping game" game this time.
Mr. Rodchenkov is brave, but I wonder how safe he is now. Other Russians who have outed Putin and other former Russian or Soviet leaders and their secrets have suffered mysterious deaths.
Mr. Rodchenkov is brave, but I wonder how safe he is now. Other Russians who have outed Putin and other former Russian or Soviet leaders and their secrets have suffered mysterious deaths.
11
Is doping such a bad thing? It seems to me we have no problem accepting the work of artists and musicians who use all kinds of drugs which presumably enhance their output of music and art. Why is it okay for them to do this, but not athletes?
4
HUH? This is not about those type of drugs but performance enhancing drugs steroids.
1
I'm with you. If athletes starting using marijuana like musicians do, rather than steroids, we'd have a much more entertaining Olympics.
2
The IOC and olympic's time has come and gone. It's time to put it way for a decade and see if it's better for the long term.
14
"passing bottles of urine through a hand-size hole in the wall, to be ready for testing the next day, he said."
So now we know what passes for a glory hole in a homophobic society.
So now we know what passes for a glory hole in a homophobic society.
6
Why not just open the floodgates and allow performance enhancing drugs to be legal in competitive sports. In many instances, the drugs are allowable up to a certain threshold. In other cases, they're entirely banned. If they were legal for competition, then we could end the charade that is happening now and have a more objective understanding of who is the best athlete or team.
2
I'm aging myself with this reference, but SNL had a skit about just this. In the late 1980's they had a skit called the "All Drug Olympics" where basically all drugs were legal.Phil Hartman played an Eastern Bloc weightlifter who was attempting some inhuman amount . You'll have to see it on YouTube if you want to find out what happened next.
Lets just say his weightlifting days were over after that.
Lets just say his weightlifting days were over after that.
4
I remember it pretty well, actually. Seriously, though. The lines are blurry to begin with. Let's just make it real simple. Even with performance enhancing drugs, it still requires incredible athletic ability to be number one. Let's make things more objective.
As an avid cyclist the rule should be to assume that most if not all are doping or cheating in some capacity. This is hardly a Russian issue, as you can bet that similar or worse behavior was being executed by many other participants and countries. It's hard or impossible to keep up with the science and even more so when so many of those in authority don't really want to clean it up, because doing so is hard, costly and provides a continuous negative story line. Best not to watch, let sensors walk away otherwise more incentive to just steep up efforts to not get caught.
8
The Russians and Chinese and before them the various Eastern Bloc countries engage in nationally-sponsored doping. Elsewhere it's not organized at a national level. That's a significant difference. Russia is run like a Mafia family with Putin as Don Corleone with this as one of the results. No surprise at all.
2
If the IOC truly wanted clean Olympic Games, they could have that. They know exactly what they need to do to eradicate doping in elite athletics. It's actually not that difficult.
But the IOC doesn't want to eradicate doping. Too many people - coaches, trainers, owners, athletes, politicians, and the public - are too deeply invested in doping to change the system to make cheating impossible.
The reason why is because under the guise of "athletics", the Olympics has become a multi-billion dollar exercise in money, greed, and power. And doping is the central means of keeping that gravy train barreling forward for everyone involved.
The world watches the Olympics to see incredible feats of athletic brilliance - feats that, in many cases, wouldn't be possible if the athletes weren't doping. Coaches, trainers, and owners have their reputations and livelihoods staked on the medal counts of their athletes.
Elite athletes publicly say they hate drug cheats. But in an anonymous survey that was recently done, almost all of the athletes said they would dope if they were guaranteed two things: (a) that they would medal at the Olympics; and (b) that their doping would never be discovered.
At the Olympics, the IOC members occupy the penthouse suites. They eat the fancy food. They're chauffeured around in big black SUVs, complete with bodyguards and personal assistants. They sit in the best seats at the matches.
Nice work, if you can get it. Especially since it'll never change.
But the IOC doesn't want to eradicate doping. Too many people - coaches, trainers, owners, athletes, politicians, and the public - are too deeply invested in doping to change the system to make cheating impossible.
The reason why is because under the guise of "athletics", the Olympics has become a multi-billion dollar exercise in money, greed, and power. And doping is the central means of keeping that gravy train barreling forward for everyone involved.
The world watches the Olympics to see incredible feats of athletic brilliance - feats that, in many cases, wouldn't be possible if the athletes weren't doping. Coaches, trainers, and owners have their reputations and livelihoods staked on the medal counts of their athletes.
Elite athletes publicly say they hate drug cheats. But in an anonymous survey that was recently done, almost all of the athletes said they would dope if they were guaranteed two things: (a) that they would medal at the Olympics; and (b) that their doping would never be discovered.
At the Olympics, the IOC members occupy the penthouse suites. They eat the fancy food. They're chauffeured around in big black SUVs, complete with bodyguards and personal assistants. They sit in the best seats at the matches.
Nice work, if you can get it. Especially since it'll never change.
11
Umm, I missed the part where you explain why this is news. Isn't news supposed to be stuff we don't already know?
8
As one wag has suggested, let's stop with the drug testing in sports. All drugs are now allowed! Let's have an All-Drug Olympics! Imagine the astonishing records that will be set through performance-enhancements.
Then let spectators lose interest as they come to grips with athletes who are artificially boosted beyond what physical training alone can achieve, and as athletes endure heart attacks, bone demineralization, and other side effects. Hey! This is what they wanted!
Let the athletes police themselves for all I care. Let us have asterisks next to their names. All drugs allowed!
Then let spectators lose interest as they come to grips with athletes who are artificially boosted beyond what physical training alone can achieve, and as athletes endure heart attacks, bone demineralization, and other side effects. Hey! This is what they wanted!
Let the athletes police themselves for all I care. Let us have asterisks next to their names. All drugs allowed!
1
The Soviets and Ruskies have been cheating for decades. They seem to cheat at everything they do. The whole world assumes they will cheat, and they never disappoint. If they ever took an honest look at themselves, they might just become enthused about inventing a brand new reputation for themselves.
10
Muricans were cheating for decades in ml baseball, cycling, NFL and so on. Perhaps you guys should take a long hard look in the mirror before accusing others
1
I think the difference is between amateurs and professionals. I believe that most US amateurs are honest. Professionals have shown themselves to be questionable. But, in this article, we are talking about amateurs. The Ruskies are cheaters.
What *is* it about Russia? Something in the water?
They seem to be the most lying, cheating "government" people I've ever run across. (Am I being unfair on this assessment?)
They seem to be the most lying, cheating "government" people I've ever run across. (Am I being unfair on this assessment?)
7
Something in the American news media.
Keep it in perspective: They haven't killed nearly a million people during a trumped up wars.
Keep it in perspective: They haven't killed nearly a million people during a trumped up wars.
1
I know, right? And they've got the honest USA as a perfect example of playing by the rules every day. You'd think the Ruskis would figure out that cheaters never prosper...
1
Right...like our government and athletes aren't cheating and lying...
Sports and politics are totally corrupt in the USA. Follow the money...
Sports and politics are totally corrupt in the USA. Follow the money...
Let he who is without fault cast the first stone. Why don't they just run a chemically enhanced competition category similar to the way drag racing is run. It would be neat to see the first three minute mile or one hour marathon run. Like any sport or competition of any kind, once the cheating starts it is tough to stop. And, if it isn't stopped, the sport dies.
1
Vermouth and Scotch! In Russia! Seriously! I am sure the Russian Vodka producers are sulking right now.
On a serious note:
The doping issue is a non issue, specially with countries with a Fatherland/Motherland complex, where an individual is a mere cog in the bigger, grander design and aspirations. Soviet Union, East Germany when it existed, China are examples.
On a serious note:
The doping issue is a non issue, specially with countries with a Fatherland/Motherland complex, where an individual is a mere cog in the bigger, grander design and aspirations. Soviet Union, East Germany when it existed, China are examples.
1
Also, why is the US harboring this criminal? To one-up Putin?
7
Lying, cheating and deception is normal for Russians. Ordinary Russians not just their political leaders.
That doctor better go in hiding or else he will end up dead.
That doctor better go in hiding or else he will end up dead.
4
My husband is Russian, so I have a bunch of Russian in laws both here in the States and back in Russia. So yeah I'm biased but not ALL Russians are anything. Not all are liars or vodka swilling drunks. Just like not all French are great lovers who feel the need to strike or all British people like football and warm beer. It's silly to paint an entire culture with such a broad brush.
9
Sorry DMV - I was talking about the majority culture, not the exceptions. I am sure your husband could post a lot of detail on how corruption and dishonesty permeates Russia society and culture top to bottom. Of course there are exceptions.
Russia was is and will continue to be an evil "empire". This just a small sample of how Russia functions. They don't play by the rules because they can't win playing by the rules. Russians are genetically inferior mostly due to their "wonderful" tradition of mass murder of the best and brightest by the thugs that rule them. God bless Ukrainians in their fight.
5
What is Ukrainian fight? When they slug it out in RADA? They definitely need God's blessing for that.
Can we please, please go back and investigate the womens' individual figure skating title in Sochi, too?
7
Why care about doping in sports? Why care about sports? Exercise is good, but this paper and the rest of the media are nuts to talk so much about sports.
Frankly, the NYT and most other media rarely say anything true or useful. Bloomberg is the one happy exception.
Frankly, the NYT and most other media rarely say anything true or useful. Bloomberg is the one happy exception.
4
Why don't we have two versions of the Olympics- one with doping and one without. Let's even allow artificial enhancements such as robotic implants.
Dear Ms. Ruiz and Mr. Schwirtz,
I realize you two don't actually know anything about world sports or Russia; that's why the NY Times had you write this piece.
But the only real difference between doping in Russia and the U.S. is that in Russia it's a state function, in the United States doping is under the direction of private individuals and corporations, which is much harder to detect.
Well, there is another difference: The person who revealed this information may soon be murdered by drinking a radioactive cocktail.
But not to worry. Western governments won't do anything about this.
In fact, the world sport bodies gave Russia the Sochi Games in spite of Russia's HORRENDOUS human rights violations and the murders of civilians flying over Ukraine. The sports show must go on! Sport is that important!
I realize you two don't actually know anything about world sports or Russia; that's why the NY Times had you write this piece.
But the only real difference between doping in Russia and the U.S. is that in Russia it's a state function, in the United States doping is under the direction of private individuals and corporations, which is much harder to detect.
Well, there is another difference: The person who revealed this information may soon be murdered by drinking a radioactive cocktail.
But not to worry. Western governments won't do anything about this.
In fact, the world sport bodies gave Russia the Sochi Games in spite of Russia's HORRENDOUS human rights violations and the murders of civilians flying over Ukraine. The sports show must go on! Sport is that important!
4
Ukrainians shot down that poor Dutch plane AFTER the Olympic games. Get your facts straight
2
Sounds like he was wise to leave or he might have had a "heart attack" the other two colleagues are dead. One at 52 of a heart attack.
1
The only solution to level the playing field is to make doping required by all participants.
1
If proven, this must lead to severe penalties.
Specifically, first, take away all the medals and give them to the clean Norwegian athletes. I am certain it is the XC events where the Russians cheated the most. Take all those medals. This of course requires a process of proof.
Second, create a wall of shame with the pictures of every athlete proven to have taken PEDs at Sochi (and future winter and summer games) and have it prominently displayed outside the primary entrance to the main event facility. People who cheat should not only anticipate they will lose medals but also that will be personally shamed in front of the world at Olympics until the end of time.
Third, ban both the summer and winter Russian teams for the 2016 and 2018 games and all world championships between now and then.
Specifically, first, take away all the medals and give them to the clean Norwegian athletes. I am certain it is the XC events where the Russians cheated the most. Take all those medals. This of course requires a process of proof.
Second, create a wall of shame with the pictures of every athlete proven to have taken PEDs at Sochi (and future winter and summer games) and have it prominently displayed outside the primary entrance to the main event facility. People who cheat should not only anticipate they will lose medals but also that will be personally shamed in front of the world at Olympics until the end of time.
Third, ban both the summer and winter Russian teams for the 2016 and 2018 games and all world championships between now and then.
3
I don't trust those Norwegians either... A little too wholesome, upbeat and optimistic.
Humans, individually and in an organized manner, deceive to win.
2
How did WADA suddenly get the info that there was doping? Or did they know all along throughout Sochi Olympics and were part of the cover-up, only to later get somehow passed over/ snubbed by Mr. Putin?
From numerous articles, other than the main newspapers, covering drugs in Sports, it is pretty save to acknowledge sports is no longer a fair competitive sport. Drugs are rampant. And it doesn't seem to affect the crowds. So, what is next. I would say it will not be long and people will be replaced by robots.
1
You get the distinct impression that, owing to our low regard for Olympic officials, nothing will be done. Perhaps Putin will personally call each board member and "talk" with him or her.
1
We need to have two Olympics Games: one funded and fueled by pharmaceuticals and the other organic. Let the market decide which one would generate the greater respect and revenue.
6
Looking at your reporting: there is still a small chance that the liquor in the mix did the job and not the other substances :-) Isn't the real issue here (in all seriousness) the governing bodies of international sports? Sports stick out as being an attractive alternative to "real life" because of it's tights rules that are implemented immediately. Umpires, linesmen and video cameras do a great job to enforce the rules. But the organizations who run those sports (just remember the recent FIFA issues) present a different story. In any case: we can all be sure that President Trump will talk to President Putin about this over a can of diet coke (on the US side).
This is all so silly. Lets have unrestricted Better Athletics through Chemistry.
Anybody who want to just be an amateur and have fun can simply not use them.
Anybody, like high school athletes who don't want to use them but
suspect they are being clandestinely doped, can take free tests with
no fear of being banned (just, of course, fear of being attacked by the dopers.)
Anybody who want to just be an amateur and have fun can simply not use them.
Anybody, like high school athletes who don't want to use them but
suspect they are being clandestinely doped, can take free tests with
no fear of being banned (just, of course, fear of being attacked by the dopers.)
1
A lot of reader picks on here are calling for an end to The Olympics.
I think that's a terrible idea. Despite this doping cloud, The Games still deliver some of the most entertaining and breathtaking sports performances one can ever hope to see.
For me, The Games also act as mile markers in my life. I've loved watching so many of them over the years.
Don't abandon The Games, clean them up instead.
Otherwise, we give in. And in the process we will lose one of the great examples of human endeavor left on this planet.
I think that's a terrible idea. Despite this doping cloud, The Games still deliver some of the most entertaining and breathtaking sports performances one can ever hope to see.
For me, The Games also act as mile markers in my life. I've loved watching so many of them over the years.
Don't abandon The Games, clean them up instead.
Otherwise, we give in. And in the process we will lose one of the great examples of human endeavor left on this planet.
7
Also, did you ever notice the higher numbers of medals received by the athletes of the hosting nation? Ho-hum. What else is new in today's news?
3
Greed, power, money, seasoned with a touch of sex, is what makes the world go round. From Albany to Sochi and all points in between.
The only thing that changes is the amounts of the "ingredients".
The only thing that changes is the amounts of the "ingredients".
6
But of course it don't make it right !
1
The latest reason why not to watch or invest any of my time in this event. It is too corrupt to participate in in any fashion. I feel sorry for the honest athletes. They never had a chance. We should drop out of this event for good.
17
Voltaire once famously said that while other countries have armies, Prussia is an army that happens to have a country. Behold a criminal gang that happens to have a country of its own.
19
The Olympics to nothing for me. I don't watch them and I could never fathom the idea of travelling to another country to watch them.
If it want to watch passionate young athletes pour their hearts out, I'll go to a state high school track meet. Great fun and (probably) no doping!
If it want to watch passionate young athletes pour their hearts out, I'll go to a state high school track meet. Great fun and (probably) no doping!
8
Why do we even still have these intl events? I used to love watching the Olympics. Now? Between NBC'S soap opera take on athletes and their infatuation with telling us back stories at the expense of actual competition, not to mention that we don't get it live, even when there isn't a time difference and the fact that most of the participants are no longer amateurs, I just don't care. Add in doping and why bother? I'll pass this year in Rio.
31
Listen ...
I do not understand why the press of the USA, the FBI, CIA
interested in doping? And only exclusively for Russian athletes?
Is the American, British, German, French, Norwegian
Athletes do not use doping at all?
Is it in the USA only interested in Russian athletes?
Well, it's obvious that this topic in your media made-to-order and prepaid ...
I do not understand why the press of the USA, the FBI, CIA
interested in doping? And only exclusively for Russian athletes?
Is the American, British, German, French, Norwegian
Athletes do not use doping at all?
Is it in the USA only interested in Russian athletes?
Well, it's obvious that this topic in your media made-to-order and prepaid ...
2
Vasily, you seem to have problems making distinctions. Here's one for you to chew on: Russia's (and former East Germany's) efforts were orchestrated by their government for the greater glory of the 'motherland.' Baseball and football players in the U.S. and elsewhere in the West and some cyclists who won multiple Tour de France races orchestrated their own drug-based enhancement efforts. Get the difference, Vasily? Good.
3
Robert, let me get your "distinctions" straight. Russian did it for the glory of the "Motherland" - that is BAD! Lance and Americans do it for the glory of the almighty BUCK - that is GOOD! Lance's doping and blood transfusions were sponsored and paid for by the US Post Office, a US government owned organization. Do YOU see the connection? Good!
2
I've come to the conclusion that, at major sporting events all the time and everywhere in the world, the true universal competition is: Who is the best cheater? If that sounds overly cynical, and is unfair to those who might actually be clean, I'm sorry. I've just been worn down by years of endless full-throated denials that turned out to be lies. I actually believed Lance Armstrong once upon a time, and as a cancer survivor I proudly wore a yellow Livestrong wrist band. If they gave out gold medals for being a sucker, I'd be on the podium. Maria Sharapova didn't realize that what she'd been taking for years was now illegal. Yeah, right. Russia is in the spotlight now, but no one should be surprised to find out that Olympic villages are filled with glass houses.
32
Cheating in sports... ho, hum... Just another day in the world of recreation and entertainment, turned into Big Business.
Sports mirrors society, as has often been written, and corrupt worldwide sports perfectly mirrors the utterly corrupt state of things world-wide: politics, business, government...
Sports mirrors society, as has often been written, and corrupt worldwide sports perfectly mirrors the utterly corrupt state of things world-wide: politics, business, government...
10
And I've always believe cheating in Business is a sport.
1
Why do we hold these contest? They destroy the economies of many sponsoring nations and often place the winners' laurels on the heads of those who cheat best.
23
Why does anything happen? So a few can get rich.
1
"60 Minutes" covered the malfeasance by the Russians last Sunday. What have Ruiz and Schwirtz been doing?
1
I'm done with the international farce that's the olympics. All the fun has been sucked out of it thanks to the IOC, judging scandals, cheating scandals, corruption scandals, etc. This summer, I will not be tuning in. There's nothing to cheer for.
4
Its either the first place winners for each event deposit their sample in a vault guarded by armed guards who have no alliance to anyone so that would secure until testing is complete and under guard supervision OR..take drug tests BEFORE the event for all the contestants. I feel sorry for those people who places 4th and lower as they could have won if they did not take any banned drugs. As for Dr. Rodchenkov - better watch out.
10
SURPRISE? These games are all about politics and money. Unfortunately the athletes who train and work honestly are not part of the deal.
This year we have swimmers who are threatened with all sorts of illness because of sewage in the water. Who was paid to get the games to Rio?
This year we have swimmers who are threatened with all sorts of illness because of sewage in the water. Who was paid to get the games to Rio?
13
I think considering all of these elaborate and successful efforts to cover up doping, Russians deserve to be given gold medal.
5
It's sad how people believe everything that's being showed into their brains through mass media. I might have taken this story seriously if not the " hand-size hole in the wall " part. This is some top Hollywood right there!
3
I say it's time to end the International Olympic competition once and for all. It is obvious that we can't find a way to prevent cheating when pitted against the unlimited resources and determination of a state actor as large as Russia, so why even try?
3
End the Olympics! Incredibly boring. Waste of everyone's time. Make the "athletes" get real jobs and do something useful for a change.
7
Better not playing russian roulette with Vladimir Putin...... that guy is dangerous, and I believe he very much lacks the sense of humour..
15
Always fun to see the Russian propaganda commenters come out in force after a story like this one.
13
Yep, anyone who doesn't agree with your point of view automatically becomes a Russian propagandist. You get an A+ for logic.
3
Guest - It's the same with the sport of politics in America.
1
No, just Russians paid to post on western sites. Not like there are other jobs in that economy, might as well keep people distracted with low paying jobs.
The Olympics and all other national and international sports are just a whole lot of nationalistic jingoism. Fortunately the percentage of people involved in these "sports" is small compared to overall populations. In the United States at least, for the most part, unless one or two of these people wind up on a Wheaties box, we never hear of them again.
The so-called "compelling" up close and personal stories that the networks feed us about these people are just violin strings and handkerchief grabbers intended much in the same manner as "Queen For A Day" was. The same stories of any given individual's life are present with us every day in our communities. Attention should not paid to the marketing of these "athletes" but to genuine everyday problems of health, etc. in our own home communities. The Olympics true time in history was when it was just Greece vs Sparta, etc.
The so-called "compelling" up close and personal stories that the networks feed us about these people are just violin strings and handkerchief grabbers intended much in the same manner as "Queen For A Day" was. The same stories of any given individual's life are present with us every day in our communities. Attention should not paid to the marketing of these "athletes" but to genuine everyday problems of health, etc. in our own home communities. The Olympics true time in history was when it was just Greece vs Sparta, etc.
7
Why not just let all athletes dope if they choose to? Might as well let doping be a part of their training regimen, much like strict diets and frequent practices are. The cost to see sports nowadays is so expensive and the prizes are so lofty that we might as well see super human performances to get our moneys worth. Soon we'll have monster men and women competing against each other in the same sport for the same prizes, ending the debate for equal pay once and for all!
4
As much as I have always loved watching the Olympics, it's time to end the Games. When winners are winners because they cheat and the IOC can't control and deal with it, the results become meaningless.
20
That's why Trump admires Putin so much: anything to win.
Dope the athletes and, when the games are over, invade the Crimea.
Dope the athletes and, when the games are over, invade the Crimea.
47
Bingo. Trump and Putin are cut from the same cloth: self-serving, prevaricating, amoral, and power obsessed.
6
I didn't know that taking back historically Russian land, where the living majority are Russian and in favor of joining back with Russia is called invading. But hey, Fox news tells otherwise I bet.
1
Crimea belongs historically to the Crimean Tatars, not to Russia. Of course, that did not stop Stalin from the wholesale expulsion of the Crimean Tatars from their homeland in WWII, and it is not stopping your pals in Moscow from stripping the Tatars of their basic rights even today in the "glorious" new Republic of Crimea. That's not Fox News, those are facts.
2
How will this effect Sharapova who has admitted to doping for 10 years under guidance of Russian doctors though she lives in the US?
3
It will be glossed over. We don't want to upset Putin.
agreed
That's a VERY different story, though very interesting one. The position of WADA about meldonium poses a lot of questions.
And who knows how much, or how many, gets undetected because nobody of those involved speaks out.
4
This reminds me of how Americans were in denial and complaining when the French said that Lance Armstrong was doping.
21
I like Russian logic. Individual athletes or teams have been caught from every country, yes. Countries fight doping in sports, they don't develop state-sponsored doping programs.
4
There are always apologists. Armstrong was one man. How many Russian athletes are we talking about?
7
Probably all of them.
1
Sports has degraded into every (wo)man for himself. There always was some form of cheating, but today it's reached a new low. This is not isolated to the physical sports either. Every form of competition has had a history of cheating in some form or another, but technology has made it possible to cheat and get away with it in almost every sort of competitive event. Car races have required weight and fuel limitations that have been circumvented, baseball has had its pinetar problems and steroid issues. The list is endless. When money and/or prestige is attached to the event, cheating will skyrocket. This is a proven fact and a given. Sports has been promoted as a confidence builder, but as mankind has proven it is nothing more than a builder of sneaky acts and actions to see who can "win".
3
Sports, sure. You might also find some cheaters among bankers, politicians, lawyers, police, insurance agents, investors, doctors, mechanics, ... Need I go on?
Lance Armstrong, Barry Bonds, Ben Johnson, thousands of other Western athletes have doped and are still doping with the aid of their teams, their trainers and their competitors too. But coordinated doping dictated by the nation's sporting agency seems to be a specialty of the still autocratic states of the former communist bloc. It's pathetic, but no one is surprised.
14
Vitaly Mutko says this story is “a continuation of the information attack on Russian sport.”
Sounds like an admission to me. Mutko probably would have preferred to use the word "disinformation" attack.
Sounds like an admission to me. Mutko probably would have preferred to use the word "disinformation" attack.
2
RickD,
actually, this isn't the case. According to widespread Russian worldview, actively propagated by official media, there is no such thing as objective truth. As they say, everybody has his own truth. In such context, "information" can be anything including most outrageous lies of a kind you see on official TV channels - and there is no such thing as unofficial TV channels. If everything is relative, one man's lie is another man's truth, and both are "information".
actually, this isn't the case. According to widespread Russian worldview, actively propagated by official media, there is no such thing as objective truth. As they say, everybody has his own truth. In such context, "information" can be anything including most outrageous lies of a kind you see on official TV channels - and there is no such thing as unofficial TV channels. If everything is relative, one man's lie is another man's truth, and both are "information".
This really isn't a revelation since Vladimir Putin bathes daily in corruption. While Russia has not been the only country employing drugs to create super-humans in world competitions, the sophisticated planning involved in the Sochi Games most certainly earns Russia a Gold Medal in the "Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau 'this cases is solve-ed' competition." One can envision the gang of Putin's Patsies tip-toeing about at night carrying out its devious duties with the Henry Mancini "Pink Panther" musical score playing in the background.
The problem is the Olympic Games lost its luster eons ago when doping was widely used but nobody gave a rat's butt about it. It evolved into a competition of not true athleticism, but a competition as to which country could best cook up ways to avoid steroid detection. These are no longer games - this is a monster of an industry. These are events that unfortunately have relegated fans to scratching their chins and churning around in their minds the question: "Is that person using steroids?" Yes, the Games will go on, but under a haunting veil of suspicions. Russia clearly demonstrated to what length a country is prepared to go to achieve athletic prominence.
The problem is the Olympic Games lost its luster eons ago when doping was widely used but nobody gave a rat's butt about it. It evolved into a competition of not true athleticism, but a competition as to which country could best cook up ways to avoid steroid detection. These are no longer games - this is a monster of an industry. These are events that unfortunately have relegated fans to scratching their chins and churning around in their minds the question: "Is that person using steroids?" Yes, the Games will go on, but under a haunting veil of suspicions. Russia clearly demonstrated to what length a country is prepared to go to achieve athletic prominence.
5
And despite all of this you can place a sure bet right now that the Russians will be allowed in the Olympics after the sports bureaucrats decide that all is well again. Once again a generation of Olympics athletes will be condemned to watching the dopesters receive the medals while the honest folks stand on the sidelines and gnash their teeth. The advertisers, TV networks, the sports bureaucracy and our US State Department will line to up extol the Russians for all they have done to improve in the past 3 months, how the evidence of past defects is ambiguous, and etc.
13
Doping should be made legal. Obviously it is legal when listening to musical performers (i.e. Prince, Michael Jackson, etc.) - they are or were making fortunes doing this. This years Olympics in Brazil would be a perfect place to try it out.
5
The thought seems to be that it's perfectly fine unless you are caught.
From watching every minute of coverage when I was a kid, I watch a few events these days, and every four years it's less and less regardless of winter or summer games.
Unfortunately the Olympics have lost nearly all of their appeal over the years since the cold war ended. Who cares who wins anymore? There are very few surprises due to 24/7 sports coverage, all the athletes are professionals and cheating is rampant. This article didn't surprise me at all, Russians have proudly cheated for years. That's their Olympic legacy, state sponsored cheaters. But who really cares anymore?
This summer? Maybe the 100 meters and that's about it.
Unfortunately the Olympics have lost nearly all of their appeal over the years since the cold war ended. Who cares who wins anymore? There are very few surprises due to 24/7 sports coverage, all the athletes are professionals and cheating is rampant. This article didn't surprise me at all, Russians have proudly cheated for years. That's their Olympic legacy, state sponsored cheaters. But who really cares anymore?
This summer? Maybe the 100 meters and that's about it.
8
Agreed, chances are I'm not going to watch any of the Olympics this year. The games are all about money, about rampant jingoism in the host country, about mostly old white men sitting in box seats and waiting for the camera(s) to pan over to them so they can raise their arms to the adoring crowds, about clean athletes (some) competing against athletes they know are dirty but calling the dopers out will only bring them scorn, about hundreds of talented individuals who have been sold a bill of goods: the Olympic games are an ugly business, business being the operative word.
3
Women's diving is always exciting.
What is so really, really exciting is the 100-mile bicycle race. One guy wins by an inch and he's a big hero, and everyone else is worthless. Fascinating!
Mr. Rodchenkov, I would check all your beverages and food for radioactivity.
35
it is time to stop envying Russian. And Dr.Rodchenkov he's lier and betrayed. You'd think the American hockey players and basketball players less devour any drugs.
3
I sure bet Moscow's abuzz right now, what you say Alex?
1
To the extent that "American hockey players and basketball players" do use drugs -- baseball and football players are actually more likely -- it's not orchestrated by their GOVERNMENT. Get the difference, Alex? With Vlad, this is all part of his nationalist pride orgy.
23
Alex, I hear a knock on the door. You'd better get it.
2
How many of the Russian athletes willingly embraced the doping regimen, and how many were intimidated, threatened, or misled into participation? East Germany had a notorious state-sponsored doping program, and the long term toll on the athletes' bodies was horrific.
These allegations of Russian doping are just one more frightening aspect of Vladimir Putin's regime of deceit and terror.
These allegations of Russian doping are just one more frightening aspect of Vladimir Putin's regime of deceit and terror.
4
Obviously Putin knew of this. No government minister would orchestrate this without his blessing. No problem, he just wants Russia to be "respected" as an Olympic power. Pathetic. The World Cup should be taken away from Putin land. The entire Russian government is beholden to that insecure dictator who will readily resort to murder to keep power for life.
13
Russian doping in cross country skiing is old news and they were caught and stripped of medals at the '02 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
For them, it's simply business as usual. Observers marveled at Legkov's skiing at Sochi and one coach publicly said he just didn't believe it was a "clean" performance.
Sadly, it's a game within the games, and not just for Russians.
For them, it's simply business as usual. Observers marveled at Legkov's skiing at Sochi and one coach publicly said he just didn't believe it was a "clean" performance.
Sadly, it's a game within the games, and not just for Russians.
8
If the Olympics were privatized with monetary inducements for rooting out and punishing drug / doping offenders we would be much further ahead. Or in the absence of that, if private security were hired with monetary inducements to root out cheating we could also get there. There needs to be extreme oversight and serious punishment. This reminds me of the financial crisis, do or enable the most egregious cheating and you risk so very little that cheating makes perfect sense. Unless you believe in the integrity of sport. And unless you have adequate sense of self worth. Which clearly many many believe in money and fame first, second and third.
There are contradictions in this comment. Privatization and monetary inducements would assure nothing, except escalating bribes to look the other way and more corruption.
And "extreme oversight"? By the private sector? See paragraph 1.
And "extreme oversight"? By the private sector? See paragraph 1.
1
The Olympics are already private, just like FIFA.
This is not at all surprising.
The system of ethical corruption is endemic in Russian society, a hold over from the Soviet days when scheming was needed to prosper and stay safe. It is wise to be wary in any dealings with any Russians. In an area, I won't name, they have formed groups that stages automobile accidents, small scale and non fatal and routinely collect from insurers using third parties.
Far too many of them see us as naive and foolish, primed to be exploited.
The system of ethical corruption is endemic in Russian society, a hold over from the Soviet days when scheming was needed to prosper and stay safe. It is wise to be wary in any dealings with any Russians. In an area, I won't name, they have formed groups that stages automobile accidents, small scale and non fatal and routinely collect from insurers using third parties.
Far too many of them see us as naive and foolish, primed to be exploited.
5
I don't think you can mark this story as "exclusive." 60 Minutes just did a piece about it on Sunday.
2
Did 60 Minutes have an interview with Grigory Rodchenkov? Have the painstaking details of how the Russian plot worked? Nope. This story is chock-full of exclusive insights. NYT journalism at its best.
I can see Putin's hand in the assassination of those two former anti-doping officials. Putin's opponents all have either been assissinated or imprisoned. Will Comrade Gangster Putin ever be held accountable? Given the fact he has European leaders under his thumb, i doubt it. As for the Olympics and the corruption associated with it, and the pre-games (kindly read about Eugene Oregon's uncontested award of the 2021 World Track and Field Championships), it's lots of doping here and bribery there. This years U.S. Olypmpic trials also at Eugene Or. I bet if one were to dig deeper, a whole lot of corruption would be revealed. From the Olympics, to U.S. Football and Baseball, the fans are stupid and clueless just like our voters- stupid and clueless. A country and world filled with the Three Stooges.
2
Well this is surprising not at all.
Although one part is a bit confusing, maybe someone with more knowledge of the sport can help explain... why would bobsledders need performance enhancing drugs...?
Although one part is a bit confusing, maybe someone with more knowledge of the sport can help explain... why would bobsledders need performance enhancing drugs...?
1
Not sure, but my guess would be for the strong running start maybe?
1
bobsledders.....for weight gain and against fear
1
Yes you are right. Sometimes they include former short-distanse runners in the team to make a good start.
2
The cheaters can go home with pride. They won Gold. If you cheated to win doesn't that mean you really didn't win? Oh, how people deceive themselves. Other than that I really don't care as I generally assume many athletes are cheating anyway.
1
"Back in Russia, two of Dr. Rodchenkov’s close colleagues died unexpectedly in February, within weeks of each other; both were former antidoping officials, one who resigned soon after Dr. Rodchenkov fled the country."
And the presumptive Republican presidential nominee says he admires Putin.
And the presumptive Republican presidential nominee says he admires Putin.
18
Amazing piece of American press. Almost beats the Russian competitors. Question: how this doctor is making his living now in LA? He seems pretty famous now... who paid his trip, who organized his arrival in L.A.? Do you really think they did it for free? Btw, is beyond any doubt that the whole world of athletics is on doping, Italy, Uk, Russia or Us there is no difference. There is evidence even at amateur level doping is widespread on cycling and athletics. This is a fact. Sad but a fact. Ben Johnson back in the days stated that the whole US athletic olympic structure was 100% doped and actively covering the athletes. That's where money took sports. Btw, the story about the steroids mixed with alcohol is amazing, worth an Oscar for the best movie. No doubt deeply excites every russophobic out there. The russians are drunk even when they work out!
3
I wonder if Russians ever feel the least bit of moral consciousness. Folks we are not facing the morality of the Soviet Union, we are facing something much worse today in Russia.
1
Funny, Russians. Their usual response is like this guy's: Deny everything and say it's all a plot against Russia. Then, almost in the same breath say "Everybody's doing it, but you only pick on us." It's a curious mix of cynicism and persecution complex.
4
The Russians got too ambitious.
Going from 3 gold medals at Vancouver to 13 at Sochi can't be attributed to the better "atmosphere" of Mother Russia. And in the meantime the rest of the sporting world didn't take a few years off from training.
Why take Russia for its word regarding anything at all?
Why did the WADA trust the Russians to provide a secure anti-doping facility?
Impose a multi-year ban on Russian participation in international competitions of all sorts (including chess and piano) and let them stew about that.
I'm tired of these guys: for them its always the ends justify the means, so good bye to honesty, integrity, etc. etc.
Going from 3 gold medals at Vancouver to 13 at Sochi can't be attributed to the better "atmosphere" of Mother Russia. And in the meantime the rest of the sporting world didn't take a few years off from training.
Why take Russia for its word regarding anything at all?
Why did the WADA trust the Russians to provide a secure anti-doping facility?
Impose a multi-year ban on Russian participation in international competitions of all sorts (including chess and piano) and let them stew about that.
I'm tired of these guys: for them its always the ends justify the means, so good bye to honesty, integrity, etc. etc.
8
The olympics, like major league sports, are nothing different that fictional movies. Entertaining maybe but not real and not worth watching.
6
Quite right Paul. It has become very farcical. The competitors make money, the tv makes money, history is smeared, the Olympics should go under a different name. At this rate, pretty soon we will have international games where only the dopped ones will be admitted. That will be honesty.
2
Paul, about as "real" as reality TV, ay?
As my Finnish momma always says, "Never trust a Russian."
I'd add to that, "Never trust an Olympics."
If the Olympics are to continue, its august officials should allow wide-open doping and also award medals to the doctors doping the athletes. That way the event goes from a sporting event to a science competition. Who knows what amazing advances might come out of it? Why, we could maybe land a self-propelled man on the moon in our lifetime.
I'd add to that, "Never trust an Olympics."
If the Olympics are to continue, its august officials should allow wide-open doping and also award medals to the doctors doping the athletes. That way the event goes from a sporting event to a science competition. Who knows what amazing advances might come out of it? Why, we could maybe land a self-propelled man on the moon in our lifetime.
5
The Olympics were sometimes a great 20th-century event, but by now have become so corrupt--morally, ethically, medically, commercially, nationally--that the event, under this aegis, should be terminated. To pretend that this is somehow a fair-managed event for amateurs was problematic from the inception, and has become a grotesque parody by now. To say nothing of the host cities, host countries, and the routine peril visited on the athletes, including the threat of terrorism, as in 1972 in Germany, but now with sophisticated technological support
4
It's Show Biz! And show business is like no business I know! Wait -- many businesses cheat. Nevermind.
I find it amazing that so many people who end up on the wrong side of Vladimir Putin also turn up dead. What are the odds?
8
The same as getting Vlady admitting the KGB was a religious entity.
More or less as playing roussian roulette with Vladimir .... with 6 shots in the chamber, doing the first move. I understand that he can invade Crimea and shoot down passenger aircrafts, but this must be the red line in the sand...!
The man's a thug and now we're back to square one.
1
How far the world of sport, including the modern Olympiad has come from the dreams of Baron de Coubertin and the documentary lyricism of Bud Greenspan. Like all of professional sport (and believe me, the modern Olympics is professional as they get now) it is all a mega-million corporate money game, or as it was for the cheating old Soviets and East Germans a huge propaganda vehicle.
Well, Putin comes right out of the innards of the old Soviet machine (ex-KGB), so what do you expect? But let us not blame Russia only. Our professional and semi-professional athletes including some track stars, have their own issues with banned substances. The relative innocence of the old Olympics (when we only had to worry about Nazi salutes, and athletes permitted to overextend themselves) is gone forever. Welcome to the corporate tent and the glitzy parties. Greenspan wherever you are, I know you are weeping.
Well, Putin comes right out of the innards of the old Soviet machine (ex-KGB), so what do you expect? But let us not blame Russia only. Our professional and semi-professional athletes including some track stars, have their own issues with banned substances. The relative innocence of the old Olympics (when we only had to worry about Nazi salutes, and athletes permitted to overextend themselves) is gone forever. Welcome to the corporate tent and the glitzy parties. Greenspan wherever you are, I know you are weeping.
1
I'm shocked, truly shocked. I thought American baseball players were the only ones still doping. And to think it was the Russians. Shocking.
12
I am shocked you are shocked Mike! Do you think the famous East German swimming team of the 80's existed without the blessing of the USSR? Or, do you think there are more clean countries than dopped ones? I know the case of a weight lifter who lost his testicles because of the amount of anabolic steroids he was taken. He is still competing and his coach makes him and the rest of the team take more of these drugs.
Truly disgusted to read Russian athletes cheating at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. The country has a whole should be banned for competing in international sporting events.
4
Looks like the CIA is on a BRICS attack. First Brazil, always Russia to kick and, of course, the Chinese are rude. On the other hand, we Americans are clean, white, and honest. It is so good to have above-board, honest people running for president: Trump and Clinton. Sanders is anomalousness.
2
The CIA has nothing to do with those three foreign issues. I guess you'll use any subject to make apologies for poor Bernie.
2
Geeze, I hope this guy gets protection, in Putin's world I suspect he's a dead man walking.
14
I wonder when Dr. Rodchenkov can expect his unexpected "heart attack" to occur? Putin never forgets or forgives, and the reach of the FSB is long.
10
I'm truly surprised. Does this article imply that there are times when the Russians and Chinese are not cheating?
7
The Olympic Games no longer serve a useful purpose. Take those hundreds of billions of dollars wasted on the summer and winter olympic games and direct them toward eradicating child slavery,terrorism and poverty.
21
Only trouble is those "billions of dollars" are not wasted to those people who are making money on the deal. Think developers, advertisers, etc.
1
Just in time to align with illegal payments made to secure the Tokyo Olympics bid. The IOC is as corrupt as FIFA. And that's saying something.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/11/tokyo-olympics-payment-dia...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/11/tokyo-olympics-payment-dia...
3
This article only increases my sadness regarding what sports have become. I remember Sunday afternoons sitting in the park watching my father and neighbors play baseball and screaming my lungs out for our side to win. Now with all the money and marketing I hardly if ever watch it. Regular people have been pushed out of sports or even exceptional people for that matter because fitness is now being created in the laboratory. While I never considered the Olympics to be pure, I at least had the illusion that every now and then a "real" athlete won a metal...
8
Let us get this right. Irrespective of which country, whether it is Sweden, Kenya, the US, Russia, Bulgaria, the UK, Jamaica, and the list goes on, doping is wrong. The use of doping in order to enhance performance with the view to achieve personal or national grandeur is a a despicable act that has tarnished the idea of competing where the best sportsman who has put in that little extra should be on the number one podium. Let us not forget that doping is practiced in many countries judging by the statics from WADA about those caught cheating. WADA´s war against doping is a race against time as the dopers always find a way to circumnavigate the controls put in place. Judging from some comments, it appears as if the article is part of the drive to attack Russia. I beg to disagree as Bulgaria and East Germany were once under investigation for quite a long time. Kenya and Ethiopia have raised eyebrows as they have produced long distance runners who, over time, have swept the competition fields clean of all gold medals. Sports should be guided by fairness where the best who have trained hard should win on the fine merits of hard work and of course talent. Let us be sincere, the idea of competition is based on fair play, not thievery.
1
Time to stop the made-for-TV Olympics. The spectacle lost its luster thirty years ago.
6
Get ready for the spectacle that are the Brazilian Games.
Well, they'll certainly be some kind of spectacle. Just not in a good way.
Well, they'll certainly be some kind of spectacle. Just not in a good way.
1
The Olympics is supposed to represent the best, but it unfortunately leads to the worst. SAD
More examples that Putin's Russia hearkens in countless ways to the worst attributes of the Cold War Soviet Union.
4
In early 2001, I was in Krasnaya Polyana with a group of French athletes and the son of a Russian mafia boss. Hotels were rising quickly, although the quality was poor. And the air was thick and easy with corruption and the boss was dug in for the duration.
But, like all Russian stories, the contradictions of Russian life arose dancing a waltz with a bodyguard, and watching each bodyguard carrying a bunch of yellow daffodils to their wifes for Mother's Day.
But, like all Russian stories, the contradictions of Russian life arose dancing a waltz with a bodyguard, and watching each bodyguard carrying a bunch of yellow daffodils to their wifes for Mother's Day.
3
The only source of these accusations that “can could not be independently verified” is Mr. Rodchenkov himself who was the director of the anti-doping agency that committed the doping violations. And who is also accused of extorting money from athletes. He then runs from Russia to L.A. and spills out these dramatic facts to a film-maker. Things like “they worked in a shadow laboratory lit by a single lamp”. How on earth this is considered a reliable source of information worthy of NYC front page?
4
Why do you consider this information to be unreliable?
This is whistleblower testimony. Are whistleblowers inherently unreliable? Do you have some reason to doubt Dr. Rodchenkov?
This is whistleblower testimony. Are whistleblowers inherently unreliable? Do you have some reason to doubt Dr. Rodchenkov?
1
It seems like two of the other people who could confirm mysteriously died several months ago.
2
He is not a whistle-blower. He is the perpetrator of the crime if you believe to his own story. Mr. Rodchenkov was the director (not some low level employee) of the Russian anti-doping agency and on his watch his employees allegedly switched the urine samples. Obviously he has a very detailed knowledge of how this was done, down to details. Shouldn’t he be charged for this? Instead he is selling his story to back up his persecution claim to get US green card and a movie deal as a bonus.
1
Ever since Hitler's 1936 games the Olympics have become an athletic/political sewer.
4
Eradicating doping is like eradicating corruption - an unattainable goal that is too often blurred by the powerful in this world. Everyone accepts it as a cost of doing business, even though no one would say so openly and instead would cover behind the shiny slogans and empty, meaningless commitments. The gold, the glory, the prestige are way too high stakes to keep this a level field for anyone talented to compete. Astonishing reports, international organizations and groundbreaking investigations expose just a tip of the iceberg. If you want a show - you will get it. Just don't cry later on that you do not want to see what's going on behind the curtains.
Beware of false equivalence. It is one thing for individual athletes to cheat. It is entirely another thing for it to be incorporated in a state engineered strategy to win medals. If Russia is banned from Rio his year it will send the right message that such national cheating has consequences. Anyway let's just say we are saving the Russians from bad waer and Zika.
15
Don't forget corrupt officials in the figure skating competition. There is no other way to explain some of the final scores given to Russian skaters at Sochi
3
Figure skating is a competition that opens itself up to corruption very easily. Since medals depend on the subjective grades of judges, there is no objective way to contest any result. We often even see skaters who have falls rise curiously high in the standings.
1
Putin winning bigly. More like the big lie.
2
Let us get this right. Irrespective of which country, whether it is Sweden, Kenya, the US, Russia, Bulgaria, the UK, Jamaica, and the list goes on, doping is wrong. The use of doping in order to enhance performance with the view of to achieve personal or national grandeur is a a despicable act that has tarnished the idea of competing where the best sportsman who has put in that little extra should be on the number one podium. Let us not forget that doping is practiced in many countries judging by the statics from WADA about those caught cheating. WADA´s war against doping is a race against time as the dopers always find a way to circumnavigate the controls put in place. Judging from some comments, it appears as if the article is part of the drive to attack Russia. I beg to disagree as Bulgaria and East Germany were once under investigation for quite a long time. Kenya and Ethiopia have raised eyebrows as they have produced long distance runners who, over time, have swept the competition fields clean of all gold medals. Sports should be guided by fairness where the best who have trained hard should win on the fine merits of hard work and of course talent. Let us be sincere, the idea of competition is based on fair play, not thievery.
I wish this were the worst thing that has come out of the Sochi Olympics. The nationalist grandstanding, distracting from human rights violations, aggression in Crimea, those are actually much worse, but this will get peoples' attention. I think the Olympics has lost its luster, and Rio is not likely to help the situation.
30
There was no aggression in Crimea.
It had been Russian for hundreds of years, was given to the Ukraine by Khrushchev during a drunken bout, and was reclaimed by Russia after Washington (Obama, Nuland, et al.) organized a coup in East Ukraine.
It had been Russian for hundreds of years, was given to the Ukraine by Khrushchev during a drunken bout, and was reclaimed by Russia after Washington (Obama, Nuland, et al.) organized a coup in East Ukraine.
I wonder who lied about a US led coup, the state-controlled Russian media or the rest of the world?
1
I just wonder how much money Dr. Rodchenkov got from USA for this information. In this case why he developed this combination of drugs if he was so much against it. If he was honest person he should refuse to do it. Probably for money he can do everything.
6
This type of thing has been going on since Stalin. How much does your disinformation handler pay you per post?
10
His options were either make the cocktail or a bullet in the head. He made a choice
7
Read the article carefully. He clearly was NOT against the doping effort. But eventually the scheme was uncovered by the World Anti-doping Agency. He then fell from favor within Russia. Two of his colleagues died. And he decided it was safest to get far away from the whole thing and "come clean". So he moved to the USA where he would be out of reach of Russian retribution and effectively turned "state's evidence".
I find the whole scenario perfectly plausible. You are not going to be able to deflect blame from Russia by making implications that the USA is bribing this guy. It is abundantly clear where the blame lies.
I find the whole scenario perfectly plausible. You are not going to be able to deflect blame from Russia by making implications that the USA is bribing this guy. It is abundantly clear where the blame lies.
6
Everything about the Sochi olympics felt rigged from day one. How they were awarded the games, how they threw obscene amounts of money around to build a town almost from scratch in the middle of nowhere, in a place too warm to host winter events, how government money was presumably funnelled out of construction programs for corruption leading to substandard buildings in the olympic village, how the main highway built to Sochi gets abnormally delayed despite a massive budget overfunding and the man in charge gets publicly shamed by Putin himself, how Russian leaders used the timing of the Olympics to whitewash some of their territorial aggressions just months earlier and further test Western resolve... We knew all this all of the time even then. I couldn't bring myself to even watch those games for a single minute and never did. Somehow the existence of this huge state sponsored cheating is just additional confirmation of the extent of the global fraud these Olympics and this Russian government have become, and nowhere near a surprise.
262
So please explain where is the difference with other world sports events? I remember the Salt Lake city games! The Americans were awarded medals almost without participating! Fantastic!
As much as I agree about and loathe the general corruption in other world sports events, surely you must agree that Sochi has set the bar slightly higher than average when it comes to abjection. Did Salt Lake City become the highest cost for any Olympic games in history at $50 billion? Did the US decide annexation of Quebec a month after hosting a world symbol of peace and cooperation between nations? Did the US offer to host the winter Olympics in Wilmington, NC and actually win the bid? Did the FBI and the USADA cooperate to sponsor a shadow doping program for US athletes?
2
The new Werner Von Braun. One day criminal, next day hero!
The only thing about this story that surprises me is that Putin evidently does not have hit men in Los Angeles. Well, that and the fact that bobsledders need performance enhancing drugs.
141
Yet.
1
I only watch curling. It's drug free. I hope.
17
It's not! Curlers often abuse beta blockers, which are said to steady raw nerves and shaky hands.
1
One of the Times articles with links under this one mentions Russian curlers doping too. Siiiiigh.
This article is just another missed opportunity to address the bigger story about anabolic steroids: the harm these drugs cause to those who, reading about the spectacular performances of athletes who use them, try them for themselves. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the fastest growing groups who have now joined the ranks of users are women; and the numbers of high school students who believe that steroids are not harmful is alarming.
If, after their shameful pandering to Trumpmania, anyone doubted that our media is driven by the race to flashy headlines, this article should cure them.
For many people who "try" anabolic steroids, these drugs become addictive (National Institute of Health). Thus, cessation is sometimes difficult to impossible, creating a cycle of use which ultimately causes serious harm. For men, this is Anabolic Steroid Induced Hypogonadism (ASIH) which can cause long standing or evenpermanent shutdown of the body's ability to make its own testosterone. Recovery requires specialized medical help. Yet, most physicians know very little about these drugs, their effects, or how to treat users. Thomas O'Connor, MD, Bloomfield, Ct.
If, after their shameful pandering to Trumpmania, anyone doubted that our media is driven by the race to flashy headlines, this article should cure them.
For many people who "try" anabolic steroids, these drugs become addictive (National Institute of Health). Thus, cessation is sometimes difficult to impossible, creating a cycle of use which ultimately causes serious harm. For men, this is Anabolic Steroid Induced Hypogonadism (ASIH) which can cause long standing or evenpermanent shutdown of the body's ability to make its own testosterone. Recovery requires specialized medical help. Yet, most physicians know very little about these drugs, their effects, or how to treat users. Thomas O'Connor, MD, Bloomfield, Ct.
8
There is little that is romantic about the Olympics any longer.
19
I'm shocked!
2
The olympics organization is a sham. With the sums of money involved in hosting and participating in sporting completions, corruption is practically a given. And the IOC is the nave of the wheel of the illegal activities. The head of the IOC should resign ASAP.
3
I haven't watched the Olympics in years - one long, tedious McDonald's/Coke/Nike ad flavored with blatant nationalism.
Look, is anyone really shocked by this "revelation"? Putin invades Ukraine less than a month after Sochi and it's a surprise the Russians were doping?
I do feel sorry for the the swimmers in Rio this summer, though - I hope they have every injection and vaccine they are permitted before having to swim in that open sewer that is Guanabara Bay.
Look, is anyone really shocked by this "revelation"? Putin invades Ukraine less than a month after Sochi and it's a surprise the Russians were doping?
I do feel sorry for the the swimmers in Rio this summer, though - I hope they have every injection and vaccine they are permitted before having to swim in that open sewer that is Guanabara Bay.
338
Remind me please - how did Mitt Romney save the Olympics? Other than to monetize them even more. When and finally and forever, the dream (active word - dream) of world, amateur competition died.
Sadly doping is here to stay - from local triathlons, to the professional Olympics.
The only cure is to not watch.
I feel badly for the scientists who were murdered. Putin is a monster (but a real leader.)
Sadly doping is here to stay - from local triathlons, to the professional Olympics.
The only cure is to not watch.
I feel badly for the scientists who were murdered. Putin is a monster (but a real leader.)
1
totally agree, the Olympics are unwatchable, such a waste of athletic talent.
1
I find it disgusting that these superb athletes are now being insulted for winning medals while on drugs. I find their performance absolutely great! Let me tell you that when I was under drugs, I couldn't even walk my way home, let alone run an Olympic track. (free after Willie Nelson).
3
All's fair in love and war and the Olympics combines these two elements of human behavior under the cliche's common theme.
4
so when do we get the names of the winter athletes that doped? i am involved in figure skating. of late the russian ladies have one grest year and then disappear. one skater admitted doping the year she won everything in site and the next year could bearly stand up. russia won a gold at sochi in skating and then the woman took a year off and her comeback has been less that stellar. now there is a new a new wunderkind that could not make a misstep this year. it is ridiculous to call this sport. how can you begin to encourage your children to be involved in sports when they see the only way to win is to cheat.
5
I think the New York Times has been bamboozled by this "doctor." Even if these fantastical claims were true, no Russian in his right might would ever admit to it.
3
I think that he fled to Los Angeles tells us something.
4
Sounds like the only reason he's alive is because he left when he did. I wouldn't have any loyalty for my country after that either.
Yes, How much is he getting paid by the West to cook up this story?
Pretty certain that Rodchenkov in Russian means soon to die a painful death. I hope the Dr doesn't drink any tea with strangers.
10
It's the dark side of Putin's quest to "make Russia great again". Having lots of medal winners at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, annexing the entire Crimean peninsula, and removing oligarchs who impede this quest are steps in the bold realization of this vision to restore the past glory of a nation.
So does the U.S. really want to elect Trump to "make America great again"?
So does the U.S. really want to elect Trump to "make America great again"?
4
My first reaction to the article--and Gilber20 has sort of beat me to it--is that Trump's right in claiming that he's the guy who could successfully negotiate with Putin. Birds of a feather....
Trump would have been a laugh line were it not for
i) both parties conniving against the average American and
ii) the Clinton's incredible cynicism.
Trump was officially a Democrat until recently, and most of his policies, to the extent he has any, are from the Democrat playbook, tho not the latest revision. Basically, the election is poised to be between two people who seek power for its own sake, one who is something of a clown, the other who is something of a criminal.
What the Founders said about political parties has proven to be true. But we no longer read or respect those wise people, and today's political class is proudly undoing their work. We will get their wish, and they will laugh about the consequences, from their secure perches, well removed from the rest of us.
i) both parties conniving against the average American and
ii) the Clinton's incredible cynicism.
Trump was officially a Democrat until recently, and most of his policies, to the extent he has any, are from the Democrat playbook, tho not the latest revision. Basically, the election is poised to be between two people who seek power for its own sake, one who is something of a clown, the other who is something of a criminal.
What the Founders said about political parties has proven to be true. But we no longer read or respect those wise people, and today's political class is proudly undoing their work. We will get their wish, and they will laugh about the consequences, from their secure perches, well removed from the rest of us.
1
I disagree with all of the calls to banish the Olympics.
Conversely, I think its time to level the playing field and get rid of the doping and cheating restraints- let the track runners get shots of horse hormones or cyclists have batteries in their cycles- let it all go. Let it truly become the bizarre spectacle that it is progressing toward.
In the end- these competitions should measure who cheated best. Because, honestly, watching them break the world record by 1 to 2 seconds isn't really riveting. But breaking world records by minutes- that would be amazing!
Conversely, I think its time to level the playing field and get rid of the doping and cheating restraints- let the track runners get shots of horse hormones or cyclists have batteries in their cycles- let it all go. Let it truly become the bizarre spectacle that it is progressing toward.
In the end- these competitions should measure who cheated best. Because, honestly, watching them break the world record by 1 to 2 seconds isn't really riveting. But breaking world records by minutes- that would be amazing!
4
Revoke the medals, the lab's accreditation, and any licenses or accreditations Dr. Rodchenkov holds. Ban the athletes involved from the Olympics for life.
Then take a long hard look at the procedures that should have prevented this from happening.
Then take a long hard look at the procedures that should have prevented this from happening.
3
Poor Russia. A great country with great history, yet such a poor state now, with low self-esteem, and a ruler who doesn't help much.
22
I don't know about low self-esteem.
And Russians are solidly behind Putin.
Obama and Clinton should have that level of support - but, not even close.
And Russians are solidly behind Putin.
Obama and Clinton should have that level of support - but, not even close.
Of course, Russian media is state controlled, in stark comparison to western media. You have no mind of your own.
The collective media efforts to promote Cold War II are unfortunate and potentially tragic beyond comprehension. The United States, in 2016, is the safest place to live in the history of the world.
Prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union, not even close. We were one miscalculation away from nuclear war.
It isn't this story ... it is the entire narrative. We have taken a regional power and are promoting them as a global threat to the US. Beginning with encircling them with NATO. And threatening them with bringing Ukraine into NATO.
Russia is just another boring and corrupt nation -- and hardly an evil empire worthy of American sacrifice to contain. Why can't the US simply accept its crushing victory in the Cold War?
It isn't this story ... it is the totality of our relations with Russia and the complacent, passive US media demonization that are the potential tragedy. Wake up.
Prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union, not even close. We were one miscalculation away from nuclear war.
It isn't this story ... it is the entire narrative. We have taken a regional power and are promoting them as a global threat to the US. Beginning with encircling them with NATO. And threatening them with bringing Ukraine into NATO.
Russia is just another boring and corrupt nation -- and hardly an evil empire worthy of American sacrifice to contain. Why can't the US simply accept its crushing victory in the Cold War?
It isn't this story ... it is the totality of our relations with Russia and the complacent, passive US media demonization that are the potential tragedy. Wake up.
3
But-but-but that is impossible: after 2008 it's all rainbows, and the evil militaristic amerikka has corrected itself!!
1
It is time to stop the pretense and acknowledge the elephant in the room: the limits of natural human performance were reached decades ago. Nowadays it's basically all doping, all the time, and in all sports.
Let's just legalize it all and be done with it.
Let's just legalize it all and be done with it.
5
Global sport seems to have fully transformed from a positive source of international goodwill and healthy national pride to a hopeless, corrupt parasite. So much money wasted by political leaders on empty pomp and showing-off that leaves their host nations/cities an economic wasteland. So much greed, waste, fraud and distraction from what's important in life. I personally hope the Olympic Games fade into history very soon. We can think of something better.
2
Organized sport, in all its many forms, it is a manifestation of tribalism. And like war, it often results in wounds to both mind and body.
2
Still, better sports than war.
If we could only convince Washington!
If we could only convince Washington!
"Back in Russia, two of Dr. Rodchenkov’s close colleagues died unexpectedly in February, within weeks of each other; both were former antidoping officials, one who resigned soon after Dr. Rodchenkov fled the country."
"Unexpectedly?" Is that the right word? I bet you Dr. Rodchenkov or the deceased, if they had time to think, weren't surprised. I'm not. Are you? I won't rush to judgment, but, I couldn't say "unexpectedly" is the right choice. Of course, I hope Dr. R. pays for protection. Whatever it costs, it is worth it.
"Unexpectedly?" Is that the right word? I bet you Dr. Rodchenkov or the deceased, if they had time to think, weren't surprised. I'm not. Are you? I won't rush to judgment, but, I couldn't say "unexpectedly" is the right choice. Of course, I hope Dr. R. pays for protection. Whatever it costs, it is worth it.
8
"Vitaly Mutko, released a statement to the news media calling the revelations “a continuation of the information attack on Russian sport.”
When you see comments such as this, its clearly obvious that anyone over 35 in Russia is still in the Soviet state. Its a hallmark of backward cultures to have inferiority complexes, but this is simply pathetic. It tells the world you are not the best and like my grandma always said, cheaters never prosper. Well, except in the new USSR
When you see comments such as this, its clearly obvious that anyone over 35 in Russia is still in the Soviet state. Its a hallmark of backward cultures to have inferiority complexes, but this is simply pathetic. It tells the world you are not the best and like my grandma always said, cheaters never prosper. Well, except in the new USSR
1
The Olympics has become as corrupt as the Vatican bank. Most likely, it is run by the same ethics and cronyites.... It's time to forget about the Olympic charade and spend money where it deserves to be spent: on getting everyone involved in some form of joyful life-long athletics and activity, of putting the play back in play, for kids and teens everywhere, and of spending on schools, arts, and the health of the world's people.
2
Wow! Shelf the documentary. Attention Hollywood! This would make for a great action thriller movie.
1
Look, we'll never be able to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs by these athletes. They will always find a way to cheat. So, I have an idea. Why don't we just let them use any drug they want and see how they evolve? I see a future of sprinters who are basically all legs, high jumpers who look like kangaroos from the waist down, swimmers with webbed hands and feet, boxers with anvil-like fists... In Putin's Russia, Olympic training facilities would be replaced by breeding farms set up to replicate and enhance the best athletic traits, generation after generation. Future Olympic Games would be incredible spectacles of "human" performance...well, in a Twilight Zone sort of way.
While I'm no fan of the bloated pomp, circumstance, and billions of dollars spent to support the Summer Olympics every four years, I ask the Times to please do an in-depth investigative report on doping in the beloved NFL.
That aside, the real problem with the upcoming Rio Olympics won't be doping: it's the Zika virus outbreak that is now rampant in Brazil. Holding the Olympics there will be like a massive doping boost to the virus, where thousands of spectators are likely to get the virus and hasten its spread across the globe.
That aside, the real problem with the upcoming Rio Olympics won't be doping: it's the Zika virus outbreak that is now rampant in Brazil. Holding the Olympics there will be like a massive doping boost to the virus, where thousands of spectators are likely to get the virus and hasten its spread across the globe.
1
This top level knowledge should find a big audience with numerous US athletes. This Dr.'s drug knowledge has opened huge market in the underground US PED's market.
One of the most infuriating things about doping in the Olympics is that there is a statute of limitations with respect to overturning medals awarded to cheaters. After a certain amount of time has elapsed, if proof of cheating hasn't been found, then the medals are allowed to stand permanently, even if there's clear proof later on that the winners were doping. Thus, for example, the 1976 East German women's Olympic swimmers, who admitted (a long time after the fact) taking steroids got to keep their ill-gotten medals. Meanwhile, poor Shirley Babashoff, arguably the greatest female swimmer our country has ever produced, was expected to win five gold medals at that Olympics but wound up winning one gold and four silvers. She was deemed a disappointment and more or less dropped out of view -- and very few people have ever heard of her. Indeed, instead of reaping financial rewards and being lauded like Mark Spitz or Michael Phelps, she was villified for speaking out against the East German doping. https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/exclusive-shirley-babashoff-b.... Babashoff wound up as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Shame same shame on the IOC.
In the U.S. there's no statute of limitations for fraud with respect to the nonpayment of taxes. There should be no statute of limitations for fraud with respect to Olympic medals.
In the U.S. there's no statute of limitations for fraud with respect to the nonpayment of taxes. There should be no statute of limitations for fraud with respect to Olympic medals.
4
Why don't we just throw in the towel and make the Olympics simply a contest, not of athletic ability, but of what the human body can be driven to endure or achieve while doped up. Sort of like a human version of horse racing.
1
Eh. We already knew that Putin is a kleptocratic despot, who either thinks there is no ethical or moral boundary that applies to him or delusionally believes that we don't perceive him to be stealing most of his country's wealth, murdering his political opponents, invading other countries, shooting down passenger planes, etc.
That said, unless the governing bodies involved here really crack down, what can possibly be the point of the Olympics?
That said, unless the governing bodies involved here really crack down, what can possibly be the point of the Olympics?
4
Why should anyone care about this?
Sports is entertainment, big bucks TV entertainment.
Does it really matter if A runs a tenth of a second faster than B?
All that matters is giving a good show.
Would anyone blame Tom Cruise if it turned out he didn't do all his own stunts in the last Mission Impossible movie?
Sports is entertainment, big bucks TV entertainment.
Does it really matter if A runs a tenth of a second faster than B?
All that matters is giving a good show.
Would anyone blame Tom Cruise if it turned out he didn't do all his own stunts in the last Mission Impossible movie?
1
It's not just competing athletes who feel cheated by those who conspire to win at any cost. It is we, the ubiquitous spectator, who stand cheering in awe at the show-casing of human excellence in an exciting global arena. The cheat is a thief, detracting from the joy of watching nobility on the sporting field. It is no less than grand larceny to read of such extremity to raise a nation's flag to flutter in the breeze of contaminated sport. The revelations in this article, hopefully will filter throughout the network of those who revelled in the dishonest moment…that the game is up. Politicians, sponsors, friends and family of those who cheat should roundly condemn the athletes who return from the podium with tarnished gold.
1
When will Picketty write about capitalism, socialism, and sport?
Super-dopers in Sochi
Murderers in games-go-on Munich
Brazil's garbage-waters and fixed Olympic site-selection
Electric-bike assists in Tour de France
Under-age gymnasts in Beijing
Over-age pitchers in Little League World Series
Fixes in FIFA soccer games
Concussions under-reported in NFL
Sports ain't very sporting any more.
Super-dopers in Sochi
Murderers in games-go-on Munich
Brazil's garbage-waters and fixed Olympic site-selection
Electric-bike assists in Tour de France
Under-age gymnasts in Beijing
Over-age pitchers in Little League World Series
Fixes in FIFA soccer games
Concussions under-reported in NFL
Sports ain't very sporting any more.
2
No kidding! Next thing you know, they'll be telling us professional wrestling is fixed....
2
Why is Rodchenkov now living in the US? Is this the class of person we want to give asylum or residency to?
1
It's a darned good thing that he is. If he'd had to stay in Russia, he'd probably be dead and we'd know nothing about all this. The information that he's provided is valuable.
8
I wish to thank Mr. Rodchenkov for his information about steroid use. The IOC are just patsies for ex-soviet maneuvering.
5
This state-sponsored doping, which was overseen and executed by the FSB, means that the Russians (surprise) cannot be trusted to test themselves, or to tell the truth when asked. At a minimum, this should mean life bans for the athletes involved, and the medals they won in Sochi should be awarded to the next-place finisher. Also, an investigation should be launched into the suspicious deaths of at least two Russian officials formerly belonging to the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, even though, obviously, the Russians will be extremely uncooperative in this endeavor. In the future, Russian athletes will need to continue to be tested outside of Russia by a neutral organization to ensure valid test results. One final comment: with the FSB involved, is there any doubt that Putin was personally aware of what was going on?
8
The IOC is fundamentally complicit in such schemes when they don't punish the cheaters. The 1972 US women's swim team has never been awarded the gold medal after the East Germans were shown to be incontrovertibly cheating based on the East German sports federation's documents unearthed after the Berlin Wall fell. The IOC prefers not to address this seriously. Bad for business.
5
The Olympics and other organized sports (The Tour de France, etc), are all about branding, big corporate money and who can excel at cheating/gaming the system. Excellence in sports is so passé.
Ironically, the NYTimes recently ran a two part article, entitled 'Man vs. Marathon'. It's all about how one man is leading a $30 million search into how a runner can complete a marathon in 1:59:59. I can save him $30 million right off the bat: it will be through cheating.
Ironically, the NYTimes recently ran a two part article, entitled 'Man vs. Marathon'. It's all about how one man is leading a $30 million search into how a runner can complete a marathon in 1:59:59. I can save him $30 million right off the bat: it will be through cheating.
6
Good thing they got Dr. Rodchenkov out of Russia or he probably would not be alive to disseminate this information. Very disheartening as we gear up for the Summer Olympics.
7
Sadly, I am no longer surprised by athletes cheating. In particular, I have in the last decade questioned the whole purpose of the Olympics. It seems like those managing it are corrupt and many of the athletes are too. Those athletes that are successful and clean appear to have trouble falling back into normal life.
1
Eastern Germany all over again. How very sad.
19
There was a time when fears about ''the Russian Mafia" occupied media attention. Today it is clear that the Russian State is itself the Mafia. It is a criminal nation. It is a major world power whence no declaration or action can be trusted or believed.
Russia is a State with which no business can be conducted and no agreement can be concluded in good faith. Trying to do so is a complete waste of time and resources. Steer clear of any Internet domain name ending in ".ru."
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Russia is a State with which no business can be conducted and no agreement can be concluded in good faith. Trying to do so is a complete waste of time and resources. Steer clear of any Internet domain name ending in ".ru."
www.endthemadnessnow.org
82
Read the writings of the Baron de Custine who discovered all that in the 1830s...the more things change.
2
Depressing, but true. Unfortunately.
1
Someone forgot to take his pills again.
The question I never see answered in these articles is pretty glaring: how much does doping actually improve performance, on average? Doping is cheating in any case, but is it a 25% improvement, a 2% improvement, or something far less? In other words, were the Russian gold medal winners truly gifted athletes, or were they, at most, subpar performers elevated to supermen (and women) with these cocktails?
They were likely gifted athletes pushed over the limit to just beyond the gifted athletes who didn't dope.
3
@DwarfPlanet:
It's irrelevant. The drugs may not have guaranteed the win but the cheating prevents any win from being a valid one.
It's irrelevant. The drugs may not have guaranteed the win but the cheating prevents any win from being a valid one.
3
In competition, 1% easily makes the difference between winning and losing.
e.g: A very fast world class one mile runner may finish in 4 minutes flat: 240 seconds. A 1% advantage makes that 3:57.6, that's about fifty feet ahead. Try catching someone of similar ability in a max-effort footrace who is 50 feet ahead of you, unless they're a casual runner fading at the finish, you won't. If you could get a 4% edge, you'd blow past your competitor by ten seconds in the mile, leaving them over 200 feet behind; you'd have to slow down so as not to make it obvious.
e.g: A very fast world class one mile runner may finish in 4 minutes flat: 240 seconds. A 1% advantage makes that 3:57.6, that's about fifty feet ahead. Try catching someone of similar ability in a max-effort footrace who is 50 feet ahead of you, unless they're a casual runner fading at the finish, you won't. If you could get a 4% edge, you'd blow past your competitor by ten seconds in the mile, leaving them over 200 feet behind; you'd have to slow down so as not to make it obvious.
1
Do penalties help? I don't recall any punished countries from Olympic doping that actually accepted responsibility for cheating. Even the completely obvious East German cheating from years past was officially denied by the state leaders. Nevertheless, the managing Olympic committee need to fully investigate and recall medals for all proven examples of doping, while also preparing for Mr. Putin's defensive accusations (the classic act of a liar).
5
As posted @ Olympic.org "Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.
The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and FAIR PLAY"
Worthy ideals, but...
What a sham.
What a shame.
Where was the IOC oversight and control mechanisms for fair play?
Complicit?
The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and FAIR PLAY"
Worthy ideals, but...
What a sham.
What a shame.
Where was the IOC oversight and control mechanisms for fair play?
Complicit?
4
We have Russian athletes doping en masse with the backing of their government. We have 12-year old Chinese gymnasts pretending to be of qualifying age by furnishing bogus birth certificates printed by their government. These are symptoms - not causes - of the modern-day cultural pandemic the Olympic Games have become. They are little more than a shameful, money-making extravaganza, one where we lower our standards to allow any corrupt country to field a team, so long as it keeps the coffers full and the televisions on.
Why does the IOC allow athletes from countries with such blatant human rights violations to participate in the Games? Why are these countries allowed to host the games, when it's painfully obvious that a few well-connected oligarchs will benefit financially while the rest of the country deals with the massive financial burden of the Games and their aftermath? (Just read up on Brazil in any newspaper today....or the continued human life cost of the World Cup plans in Qatar). It's sickening. It's madness.
The Olympics will undoubtedly treat this as an isolated drug issue. A shame - it's merely one face of what a monstrous fiasco the Games have become.
Why does the IOC allow athletes from countries with such blatant human rights violations to participate in the Games? Why are these countries allowed to host the games, when it's painfully obvious that a few well-connected oligarchs will benefit financially while the rest of the country deals with the massive financial burden of the Games and their aftermath? (Just read up on Brazil in any newspaper today....or the continued human life cost of the World Cup plans in Qatar). It's sickening. It's madness.
The Olympics will undoubtedly treat this as an isolated drug issue. A shame - it's merely one face of what a monstrous fiasco the Games have become.
58
All Russian "dictators" are obsessed with maintaining the façade of superiority over the "West". Even to the detriment of all phases of social, cultural, and economic well being of the country. The rather suspicious deaths of Dr. Rodchenkov's colleague's perhaps shows to what lengths the façade is maintained.
Even now, Russia, again, is willing to bankrupt the country to pursue military supremacy over the West.
And Trump admires the "personality cult" of Putin?!?!
Even now, Russia, again, is willing to bankrupt the country to pursue military supremacy over the West.
And Trump admires the "personality cult" of Putin?!?!
4
I think Dr. Rodchenkov should be careful that he doesn't "accidentally" drink any polonium tea...
8
I am shocked, SHOCKED that Russia participates in doping their athletes.
I never would have guessed.
I assume many other countries /athletes are also guilty of doping but I am doubtful the doping is as widespread and mandatory as it is in Russia.
I never would have guessed.
I assume many other countries /athletes are also guilty of doping but I am doubtful the doping is as widespread and mandatory as it is in Russia.
4
You don,t see anything under your nose. Look around and you will be shocked even more.
I suggest that Mr. Rodchenkov hire a food taster and avoid bumping into strangers in LA.
46
I will be watching my kids kindergarten sports matches with much enthusiasm and skip watching the olympics and all that.
2
This is just an example of why we should focus less on whether America is "winning" or "losing" versus the rest of the world and more on whether we are staying true to our values.
Yeah, Russia, China, India et al, may be "winning" but ultimately those victories mean less than nothing if you cheat.
Yeah, Russia, China, India et al, may be "winning" but ultimately those victories mean less than nothing if you cheat.
18
My sentiments exactly. There's so much alarmist rhetoric nowadays, it seems there's no universal agreement on what "winning" actually means.
As fascinating as this story is -- even though I am not sure that the source of the details should be considered trustworthy -- I have never assumed that the Olympic Games were clean and fair. Ever. From the first games I was old enough to watch and remember, 1968, there were always rumors of cheating and bias. Remember all those female athletes from East Germany, who looked suspiciously male? And those remarkably tiny, immensely strong Romanian gymnasts? How about the prejudicial grading of skating competitions, where Soviet judges would blatantly vote their party? Yes, I get wrapped up in the patriotism and spectacle of the thing, like everyone else. But at heart I know it's all a facade.
3
I'm shocked! Shocked, I tell you, to discover that the murderous KGB drone who rules Russia would countenance such brazen cheating!
9
Russia should be banned from this year's Olympics and forfeit the 2018 opportunity to host the World cup.
50
Sounds like sour grapes from the US that came second in 2014 Winter Olympics. And how about banning the US from the Olympics for Lance Armstrong and the US cycling team doping? But that was 4 years ago, so I guess there is no doping in US sports anymore...
1
Where did you go, Joe DiMaggio?
3
Never trust the Russians in politics and sports. We've known that for a long time.
21
From these recent "disappearances" or "accidental deaths", I highly suspect that the Russia is not so safe as it portrays itself. I would avoid disturbing Putin's territory if I could.
2
May the best drug win at the next Pharmalympics!
7
Clean it up: use college football as a model.
2
I am shocked, shocked to find that the Societ, er, Russia is doping.
Look, it's obvious to us lay viewers who's doping and who's not. When a country's medal count is as inconsistent as Russia's, it's clear what they're doing. I could see what was going on during Sochi games that their big jump in medals from the previous Olympics was not a fluke.
Am I outraged? Not in the least. The Olympics is entertainment and watching a country seemingly get away with cheating is just part of that entertainment. Adds to the narrative, the drama. I still remember the East German women swimmers soundly beat up on the Americans in the 76 Olympics (the Americans had easily won the world championships the previous year, led by Shirley Babaschoff). It was quite the story. Not the wins by the East Germans, mind you, but the blatant cheating.
All cynicism aside, the big losers are those not doping (Babschoff lost millions in potential endorsements after she called out the East Germans and was viewed as a sore loser) and many of those doping (many of the East German women experienced health issues, including the inability to have a baby).
And all for what? Does anyone really remember the medals counts a month after the games?
Look, it's obvious to us lay viewers who's doping and who's not. When a country's medal count is as inconsistent as Russia's, it's clear what they're doing. I could see what was going on during Sochi games that their big jump in medals from the previous Olympics was not a fluke.
Am I outraged? Not in the least. The Olympics is entertainment and watching a country seemingly get away with cheating is just part of that entertainment. Adds to the narrative, the drama. I still remember the East German women swimmers soundly beat up on the Americans in the 76 Olympics (the Americans had easily won the world championships the previous year, led by Shirley Babaschoff). It was quite the story. Not the wins by the East Germans, mind you, but the blatant cheating.
All cynicism aside, the big losers are those not doping (Babschoff lost millions in potential endorsements after she called out the East Germans and was viewed as a sore loser) and many of those doping (many of the East German women experienced health issues, including the inability to have a baby).
And all for what? Does anyone really remember the medals counts a month after the games?
3
Your comment brought back memories of Olympic coverage on ABC back then with Jim McKay and the gang including (ugh) Howard Cosell. Mr. know-it-all got into an on air discussion with the "color" commentator at the pool venue. That person gingerly suggested in the mildest way that the East German swimmers might not be "kosher", and there might be something going on. The obnoxious one went ballistic on air and suggested it was all American sour grapes and borderline McCarthyism. As often was the case he was all wrong, and full of hot air.
Want to solve the doping problem?
Anyone caught gets banned for life. End of problem.
Anyone caught gets banned for life. End of problem.
9
I think the upshot of this article is that your "solution" would be meaningless
Reread the article. The problem is precisely that they WEREN'T caught -- and never will be. So your "solution" is simply hyperbole.
Meaningless if everyone implicated in the findings were to be banned for life?
1
Is anyone really shocked?
4
These days, you're at a real disadvantage if you don't cheat. How sad.
3
Winning at any cost reveals a dark character flaw in the Russian collective psyche that has been evident for well over 100 years in most areas of life and world politics. To an extent, every country has it. It gets deadly when it becomes a ubiquitous institutionalized component of a culture's daily routine. At the least they should be banned from the Olympic Games for ten years. Anything shorter is merely an inconvenient cul-de-sac, giving them time to further perfect their compulsion to cheat.
24
Have you ever heard of the National Football League? It's in America and the last I checked there are no Russians involved. They are not unlike the organization called "Major League Baseball," both of whom use the NCAA as their feeder. They sell broadcast rights to various cable and satellite television providers so people who could otherwise get television content for free pay lots of money every year to view the spectacle. If those Russian doctors are available I am sure they could do quite well in America.
1
I play sport, never for regular money although I did win a few small prizes in my prime. I, and millions of amateurs like me, don't cheat, have never cheated and would never cheat.
The solution? Stop watching sport. Start playing sport.
Live your own life. Seize the fleeting moment in all its sweetness and bitterness. Do not live vicariously through others.
The solution? Stop watching sport. Start playing sport.
Live your own life. Seize the fleeting moment in all its sweetness and bitterness. Do not live vicariously through others.
271
Your solution to doping in the Olympics is that we should "not live vicariously"? Um...no
2
People cheat with drugs in masters swimming. I've seen it. I suspect they cheat in chess.
1
Cool idea - a flash mob every four years in Greece of those who want to run, swim, wrestle or whatever. Not particularly televised. Just a burning man of sport.
2
Disgusting.
But it's not just the Olympics. Look at the Tour de France, ML Baseball, tennis, NCAA football and NFL football. Sports has become so corrupted worldwide it has nothing to do with athleticism anymore and everything to do with money.
But it's not just the Olympics. Look at the Tour de France, ML Baseball, tennis, NCAA football and NFL football. Sports has become so corrupted worldwide it has nothing to do with athleticism anymore and everything to do with money.
300
To say nothing of futbol, with players' uniforms and press-junket backdrops so crowded with corporate sponsors--state flags unto themselves, with the legal clout to match--that we can barely find a team logo.
4
Who watches sport any more? I don't get the appeal, for sure.
Yes, very correct. It's not just the Russians. They might be organized about it at a national level, but I'm sure any other team/country is also pounding their way to the same goal.
1
Sports actually seems to be more corrupt than politics....
49
How about "as corrupt"?
1
A short quiz. What will be a majority of Russians disappointed with:
a) The behavior of their athletes and sports officials
b) The fact that their 'sports heroes' have been caught with their pants down
Did I even have to ask?
And Romney was ridiculed for pointing to Russia as our main geopolitical adversary. Who gets the last laugh?
That little Kremlin troll.
a) The behavior of their athletes and sports officials
b) The fact that their 'sports heroes' have been caught with their pants down
Did I even have to ask?
And Romney was ridiculed for pointing to Russia as our main geopolitical adversary. Who gets the last laugh?
That little Kremlin troll.
16
Given that the sole purposes of athletics are to provide maximum entertainment to viewers and profit to sponsors, then it's logical to make doping legal for all and allow spectators to enjoy ever better performances. Plus the sponsorship monies from Big Pharma would make the whole sham so much jollier.
14
Let's just get rid of the Olympics. Too many cheaters all around. They have certainly outlived their purpose of friendly competition among amateurs.
212
Yes, get rid of the Olympics. I have absolutely no interest to watch most sports because of the dishonesty that exists. The days of honor are long gone in sports and in almost everything else in our world of today.
1
"Let's just get rid of the Olympics. Too many cheaters all around."
True enough. But not true of virtually ALL sports worldwide?
Baseball, football, footie (soccer), college basketball...
True enough. But not true of virtually ALL sports worldwide?
Baseball, football, footie (soccer), college basketball...
1
Now, there's only one question left unanswered: How did they get into the bottles?
84
This is right.
If they did it then, I am sure they can do it now, and it would be a shame if this years Olympics were already tainted with doping
If they did it then, I am sure they can do it now, and it would be a shame if this years Olympics were already tainted with doping
Classic Russia! The best white collar criminal minds in the world! They will spare no expense to figure out a high tech, super sophisticated way to CHEAT, but have yet to make a decent car, motorcycle, Green building, etc.
So much talent, put to such unfortunate efforts.
If only, or as the Russians would say, esli by tol'ko...
So much talent, put to such unfortunate efforts.
If only, or as the Russians would say, esli by tol'ko...
1
Simple enough.....just like all good "fakes" are made..reverse engineer the original...in this case, simply replace the "tamper proof" cap with another "tamper proof" cap having the same sequence number imprinted on it.....anything made by humans can be duplicated. The bottles should be called "tamper-resistant" rather than "tamper-proof". The authorities had plenty of time to figure out how to break the system.
As with all crooks, you can slow them down, but you can't really stop them.....a never ending cat mouse game and when the corruption is state sponsored, it can be very hard to catch the crooks without insider information as in this situation.
As with all crooks, you can slow them down, but you can't really stop them.....a never ending cat mouse game and when the corruption is state sponsored, it can be very hard to catch the crooks without insider information as in this situation.
The United States and Russia need to figure out how to get along with each other so as to avoid another Cold War. This story--mainly based on reporting by a documentarian and picked up by the Times--is brilliant journalism. Thanks much!
16
So, speaking as someone who lived a chunk of time in post-Soviet Russia and continues to follow developments with fond chagrin, the most elaborate response to this article will be that it sets the highly skilled but non-native speakers of English sitting at their computers in St. Petersburg off to the races, since they stand ready to counter any inconvenient fact about Russia or Russian behavior. Remember, nothing bad ever comes out of Russia, anything bad is caused by the West acting on Russia, so this article is all wrong, wrong, wrong -- an insulting plot that will never dim Mother Russia's conviction of its blameless greatness.
What they also get wrong is the conviction that we in the West care all that much about them and their fragile self esteem; it's not our energy spent to make them look bad. They do that well enough themselves.
Vperyod Rocciya!
What they also get wrong is the conviction that we in the West care all that much about them and their fragile self esteem; it's not our energy spent to make them look bad. They do that well enough themselves.
Vperyod Rocciya!
501
Another step on the long road of relentless MSM vilification of Russia.
3
I am with you!
Exactly the same w/China. No communist (or past communist) country can remotely live down any sort of criticism without conjuring up some conspiracy or whataboutism arguments.
4
This is Putin's Russia, where a return to the Cold War is in full swing. I suspect Dr. Rodchenkov is now a marked man, and will likely spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder. Putin doesn't take kindly to this kind of betrayal, and years of KGB training have no doubt made him a very patient man when it comes to revenge.
321
Putin is more frightening than the brutal but unsavvy Comrades who survived WWII. And they at least knew what massive suffering was: that may have in the end caused some restraint. The "little Kremlin Troll" ( al, boston) is cruel, smart and utterly sociopathic.
30
Yes and no. Yes, Putin's Russia is a mafia run Russia, but your view that Putin wants a return to the Cold War is simplistic. It would be naive to think the US has had no part in the conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia and Ukraine. Idiots like McCain who believe Russia needs to be contained have given us a policy that's resulted in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands ruined lives. Finally with Crimea, Russia said enough! and pushed back. What on earth do you expect?
The Russian trolls are out in force I see.
3
Pull the culprits medals and rescind their honors.
88
Sadly, I am sure that there is no hard evidence any longer. This surely casts a dark shadow over their performances though, which is sad for anyone associated that was innocent (if any exist).
The article doesn't explain how the portion of the samples that were tested immediately were swapped out. Wouldn't they have tested dirty?
7
I had the same question.
100 Sample A positives? And then 100 Sample B negatives?
Should have raised doubts.
100 Sample A positives? And then 100 Sample B negatives?
Should have raised doubts.
1
Exactly! They didn't discuss A bottles, only B bottles.
1
It is time to put a nail in the Olympics coffin. This has become nothing more than an exercise in nationalism and an opportunity for autocrats to demonstrate to the world the greatness of their country and by extension their own greatness. Doping is rampant and athletes will do anything to get an edge and the financial rewards they expect to gain. If it ever really existed the Olympic spirit died long ago - it is time to recognize this and end this travesty.
419
There's this saying about babies and bathwater...
2
Hard to argue with that. The Bay Area dodged a bullet by not getting the games.
Never said better or more clear.
Let's just get rid of the Olympics. Countries vie for the venue with no return on the billions spent in creating an infrastructure; officials are corrupt and countries (and athletes) will do anything to win. The world will only benefit from its demise.
280
Time to give management of the Olympcs to someone we can trust. How about FIFA or the World Bank? North Korea? The Ferguson PD? The Republican party? Flint's Water Department?
1
they won't, too much money at stake. Look at what the yokels in Eugne Or. did just to get the 2021 World Track meet. look at what the state gov't did to fund it... The taxpayers are now on the hook for it all, not the private individuals who are running the show.
2
I'm still hoping one day that a country will see the folly of investing so much money into the training and testing of a very small group of people with athletic skill and decide to redirect those funds into serving the overall health of its citizenry. It's probably a pipe dream, but it would be refreshing if it were ever to transpire.
4
OK, nice that he's spilling the beans but it's pretty damning that he is "unapologetic about his role". Really? Athletes put their all into competing in an event that only comes around every 4 years and you cheat them of fair play? Loser. Let's not even get into discussing Putin...
13
Obviously he believes that the work his lab was able to do because of the funding he received was more important than fair play. Also, it’s not like he got much of a choice in the matter at all unless he didn’t value his own career and very life.
2
Dr. Rodchenkov does not sound like a saint, it is true. I think the influence of possibly losing his livelihood or his life, as Josh points out, ought not to be ignored. I also think his pride in his evidently great technical prowess was a factor. There, maybe, lies his fatal flaw.
But please remember that no one forced him to reveal so much. His pride in his ability may explain that as well, but nevertheless it is a good thing that he spilled the beans.
But please remember that no one forced him to reveal so much. His pride in his ability may explain that as well, but nevertheless it is a good thing that he spilled the beans.
1
"None of the athletes were caught doping. More important, Russia won the most medals of the Games, easily surpassing its main rival, the United States, and undermining the integrity of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events."
The implication being that the U.S. should have won more medals? Many athletes in ALL sports dope, what's exactly the point?
The last part of the paragraph is a bit pompous and sanctimonious...
The implication being that the U.S. should have won more medals? Many athletes in ALL sports dope, what's exactly the point?
The last part of the paragraph is a bit pompous and sanctimonious...
6
Why is this a surprise ? Even the US government turned a blind eye when the athletes here doped en masse. Watch the documentary 9.79 and I am sure you will walk away with suspicion if not outright confirmation that Carl Lewis and other athletes doped.
8
There is a world of a difference between individual athletes doping, and a state-sponsored system of doping. That is like saying a narco-terrorists like the FARC in Columbia are no different than the government of Norway because there are cocaine addicts in Norway.
7
I would strongly recommend watching the documentary and the commentary by Dr. Robert Voy (Director, USOC) and Dr. Don Catlin (Director, UCLA Olympic Lab) around the 20th minute.
Quoting Dr. Don: "...it (1983 Testing Program without any penalty) was to allow the athletes to figure out when they could take their drugs and how long it would take to clear out the drugs from their body".
Even Carl Lewis tested positive but allowed to participate after "proving" that it was because of supplements that he was taking.
The government effectively turns a blind eye as long as they can win the medals.
Quoting Dr. Don: "...it (1983 Testing Program without any penalty) was to allow the athletes to figure out when they could take their drugs and how long it would take to clear out the drugs from their body".
Even Carl Lewis tested positive but allowed to participate after "proving" that it was because of supplements that he was taking.
The government effectively turns a blind eye as long as they can win the medals.
1
High-level athletic competitions have long become a self-indulgent Boudillardian farce of image and body consumption. Can we just have the All Drug Olympics and restore some resemblance of actual reality already?
7
Sports, corruption, free speech, human rights... Russia has lost all credibility. How can you trust official government positions on anything when they themselves work hardest to cheat and be be dishonest? Such politics is deeply disconcerting and ultimately undermines their own authority.
16
"Russia has lost all credibility."
No, Russia was always an equivocal borderline part of civilized Europe witgh little credibility to lose.
No, Russia was always an equivocal borderline part of civilized Europe witgh little credibility to lose.
3
Oh. My. God. This is a crime we never atone for... Wanted to write that I couldn't believe what I was reading but I so could.
36
Well, it's not like your guys are the only ones, if that's any consolation.
2
I would strongly suggest to Mr. Rodchenkov that he think twice before accepting an offer by a fellow countryman to meet for a cup of tea and a chat at the local coffeehouse.
282
If he were smart, he revealed this from the confines of a safe house in London, Paris, just anywhere outside of Mother Russia.
7
He oughta stay away from umbrellas, too.
4
So you didn’t read the story? It said he fled to Los Angeles.
So, I understand how national pride is bound up with victory in sport and how that can be worth cheating for, to a cynic, when your nation/empire claims to stand for the triumph of some experimental ideal like communism. I see why the Soviet Union had to cheat year after year in sport competition. It was proof that "our way" works better than "their way."
I just have trouble seeing what the money and sacrifice of credibility is supposed to be accomplishing in modern Russia (forget integrity, that was never a factor - perception matters more than truth to politicians, in Russia as anywhere). What does a gold medal in the slalom prove? I can see how the communist empire with its sport academies, selecting talented youth from a young age and breaking most of them to make champions of the survivors, would find legitimation in a gold medal. But how does the corruption and authoritarianism of putin get any credit for a gold medal (unless everyone knows the government is responsible for cheating their way there, in which case I don't really see a big payoff in legitimacy)? There's no longer an ideology behind the win.
I have to conclude the regime believes it thrives as long as the Russian populace believe they are naturally, genetically and culturally superior to the rest of the world, and everyone else is jealous- immunizing them to international criticism of the Russian government, and undermining foreign media vs state controlled puff pieces.
I just have trouble seeing what the money and sacrifice of credibility is supposed to be accomplishing in modern Russia (forget integrity, that was never a factor - perception matters more than truth to politicians, in Russia as anywhere). What does a gold medal in the slalom prove? I can see how the communist empire with its sport academies, selecting talented youth from a young age and breaking most of them to make champions of the survivors, would find legitimation in a gold medal. But how does the corruption and authoritarianism of putin get any credit for a gold medal (unless everyone knows the government is responsible for cheating their way there, in which case I don't really see a big payoff in legitimacy)? There's no longer an ideology behind the win.
I have to conclude the regime believes it thrives as long as the Russian populace believe they are naturally, genetically and culturally superior to the rest of the world, and everyone else is jealous- immunizing them to international criticism of the Russian government, and undermining foreign media vs state controlled puff pieces.
155
Your comment is correct, but I see a different conclusion. I believe that Putin sees a legitimacy in the USSR that he can use to avoid making the modernization reforms that transformed other post-communist states. So he uses the easy to manipulate aspects of the old regime to bolster support.
The real sad story is how far Russia is falling behind. Their oil and gas reserves are their nation's greatest flaw, preventing the evolution of a modern government.
The real sad story is how far Russia is falling behind. Their oil and gas reserves are their nation's greatest flaw, preventing the evolution of a modern government.
6
You ask what the 2014 Winter Olympics were supposed to accomplish for Russia. The answer is obvious: What the 1936 Summer Olympics in Nuremberg were supposed to accomplish for Nazi Germany. Both are the modern, more humane equivalent of the to-the-death fighting spectacles put on in the Colosseum in ancient Rome. Feed the masses with spectacles and they might not demand more food.
1
Because Putin's ego trip is to go down in Russian history as the man who restored national pride after years of state decomposition. Any action that directly or indirectly flatters this view is to be undertaken at any cost. Invade Crimea, throw $50 billion at the Olympics where everyone is watching. And sadly it works, he seems to be still up in the polls there in spite of having done nothing else than turn the country into a huge autocratic petro-monarchy and corruption machine with little industrial capability whatsoever, actually replicating the mafia state he chased out of influence when he arrived, ultimately leading Russia to its demise.
4
At this point, does any evil act Putin does--mysterious deaths of critics; shooting down airliners; invading countries, much less athletic cheating--seem surprising? I wish Edward Snowden and Wikileaks would also uncover his secret misdeeds as they have those of so many others.
192
You forget where Snowden lives and who his patron is...
3
Ryan, it's too easy to try to insult Snowden with inapplicable words like "patron", instead of paying attention to the anti-democratic activities of your own government.
1
You want Edward Snowden, the guy given "political asylum" in Russia by Putin, to uncover Putin's secret misdeeds? Yeah, I'm sure he'll get right on that.
2
The biggest shocker is not that the doping was going on, or how meticulously this was pulled off, but that it took so long to come out.
7
I'm shocked, shocked to find that doping is going on in here!
70
Let's simply do away with the Olympics. They have proved nothing but cheating.
123
The extent of the cover up that the Russians undertook, including possibly killing scientists who knew about the doping is highly disturbing. It reminds me of how people like Donald Trump might act if he were to come to power.
32
So you must be a supporter of someone like Hillary who such a honest lovely person?
1
Putin and Trump do admire each other. That is well documented and Trump is quite proud of the mutual admiration.
4
Bill, you swallow propaganda too easily. Has Hillary ever let her investors lose their money by bankrupting her businesses? Don't bother yelling "Benghazi Benghazi E-mails!"; those are thoroughly discredited attacks -- just like "Whitewater!"
2
A whole galaxy of asterix! Maybe we should just admit that it's "anything goes"
This is a surprise - maybe that they got caught.
2
As John McCain once put it: "Russia is a gas station masquerading as a country. It's kleptocracy. It's corruption". Nothing has changed since the Soviet times.
12
John is no enviable judge of character, individual or national.
And I believe him for at least two reasons.
To begin, because this kind of story is SO VERY different than the endless demonization of Russia and Russians in the Western media.
But, more importantly, because I’m dim-witted and tend to believe anything the American corporate news outlets tell me.
To begin, because this kind of story is SO VERY different than the endless demonization of Russia and Russians in the Western media.
But, more importantly, because I’m dim-witted and tend to believe anything the American corporate news outlets tell me.
1
Old Soviet habits die hard. No surprises here.
It would have been a surprise if this sort of stuff was not occurring.
It would have been a surprise if this sort of stuff was not occurring.
9
What do the Russians get out of cheating, and I do believe the Russians cheated, bragging rights to a farce? All sports from Tom Brady, to the Rocket, to the NFL and world wide sports is corrupt. It's all about the money.
21
Hey Donald Trump, still admiring Putins leadership skills now?
9
Of course Trump still admires Putin. Likely more than ever.
For mindless narcissistic megalomaniacs, winning is EVERYTHING, and in Trump's eyes, a little doping is justified if it makes you a winner.
For mindless narcissistic megalomaniacs, winning is EVERYTHING, and in Trump's eyes, a little doping is justified if it makes you a winner.
15
Is it even possible today to have sport competitions untainted by performance enhancing drugs?
How many of us believe that the Olympics and every other competition actually award medals for achievement, rather than for who cheats most successfully?
Of course athletes also train. For strength and skill and endurance. But who does it without drugs?
It's not just the cheating that bothers me. But the effect on young people who do it. The effect of that lifelong secrecy. The effect of knowing that their medal was gained by cheating.
its very discouraging...
How many of us believe that the Olympics and every other competition actually award medals for achievement, rather than for who cheats most successfully?
Of course athletes also train. For strength and skill and endurance. But who does it without drugs?
It's not just the cheating that bothers me. But the effect on young people who do it. The effect of that lifelong secrecy. The effect of knowing that their medal was gained by cheating.
its very discouraging...
152
Between this kind of news and the state of Brazil's politics, society, and water, I'd say the path of decline of the Olympic movement has now reached the end of its course. On to the World Cup in Qatar and Russia...oh, wait...
37
Yes, I've been wondering how many footballers will die in Qatar.
1
It's not surprising. Russia, its President, its government... the whole country is dirty and corrupt. Vladimir Putin would do anything to lift his country's perceived esteem throughout the world.
More evidence of Russia trying to compensate for its loss of standing and esteem in the world after the fall of the Soviet Union.
More evidence of Russia trying to compensate for its loss of standing and esteem in the world after the fall of the Soviet Union.
6
Yeah, you'd never see that in the US with our athletes .... Lance Armstrong?
6
Difference is that Lance Armstrong did his doping on his own, not as a state sponsored event. Both are bad but when the state get involved the state needs to be treated like the pariah just like Lance Armstrong needs to be treated as a pariah.
26
To believe that there has never been an Olympian using performance enhancement drugs is a bit naive. Lance Armstrong would have been first in line.
Once the Olympics became nothing much more than a pharmaceutical convention, I lost interest. Since the advent of chemically-altered athletes, the new motto of the Olympics appears to be "If you ain't cheatin' you ain't tryin.'" Any Olympic "ideal" was lost long ago. It will come and go this summer with no notice by me and probably millions of others.
14
Russia should be suspended entirely from all international competition. They've proven, again and again, they can't be trusted. The international anti-doping agencies are no match for the FSB and other Russian security services and to save the reputation and integrity of all international sports competitions - Russia has to go.
10
And yet this feudal outpost of state-run cheating for at least half a century (never mind the other crimes it has and continues to commit) is not only allowed to participate in, but also to host international sports competitions, like the upcoming world cup (which conveniently guarantees their 'roid-fueled-fed-and-finished reps a spot)? Ridiculous. Move the Cup!
6
I have coached at 3 Olympiads, and can say that it is common knowledge that doping is very widespread. My reaction to this otherwise excellent article was "Duh!" But the problem is at least as much the officials who look the other way: I have seen doping tests canceled at the behest of high-level officials. If we are to root out doping, a very strict eye will need to be placed not just on the athletes, but on coaches and officials. But I am skeptical that this can happen, when we see the crass attitude reflected in picking for the next Olympic Games a venue so polluted that aquatic athletes are warned to get in the water. It's not a bout sports any more; it's about money and medal counts.
466
Modern Olympics were established in peace time to affirm national identities for politically designed borders. War nostalgia perhaps.
Isn't the noble games just a mere representation of our society? Anything to achieve, gain the celebrity status, ride the sponsorship wagon?
As war is waged using the best technology, the games are just following in the same path, replacing mustard gas with well designed cocktails.
Isn't the noble games just a mere representation of our society? Anything to achieve, gain the celebrity status, ride the sponsorship wagon?
As war is waged using the best technology, the games are just following in the same path, replacing mustard gas with well designed cocktails.
4
why haven't you said anything to the the Olympic or U.S. officials? Are they too, corrupt? How about the press? were you too concerned about your job than to tell it like it is? To me it sounds like it. greedy , selfish people will tell it after their house of cards fall, not before.. too much $$$ involved for you jokers.
1
Forget about rooting out doping. Eliminate the Olympics altogether!
5
Maybe the solution is to let everyone dope, stop testing and then they are all on a level playing field. Those who do not dope will drop out because they cannot keep up with those who do. Then we can have a separate set of Olympic games of the non-dopers. It could be scheduled on the years when there is no Official (Dope-Friendly) Olympic game going on to avoid conflicts for athletes wishing to take a year off of doping. Ethically I see no other alternative.
7
Kate, sorry but that approach won't work, as the inequality would then merely shift in favor of countries with no respect for human rights, as they would be more than willing to force their athletes (on threat of prison or worse) to undergo life-threatening forms of doping which no ethical country would dare subject its own athletes to.
7
...not to mention that the 'non-dopers' would still need to be tested, since they might still want an edge to win.
1
Why are you acting like other countries are clean and single out only Russia? I think it's time to face the music and admit that EVERYBODY in pro athletics dope, be it US, Germany, Russia or any other country. Right now it all seems like a part of anti-russia hysteria.
5
Because Russia's dope program is state sponsored and run in league with Russian intelligence services. If you have information the FBI/CIA are helping American athletes cheat, or the DGSI/DGSE are helping French athletes dope - you need to provide it.
24
How about the fact three of the principles tried to run away before they were killed; only one made it..
Even the US (probably) doesn't kill for this reason, and surely does not, basically in broad daylight.
Even the US (probably) doesn't kill for this reason, and surely does not, basically in broad daylight.
6
No one says or implies that other countries are clean. This article focuses on Russia, but US has had its own version of it, as did other countries like China. Your attempt to try to minimize Russia's dirty doping tricks, for the reasons that other countries practice it too, is just so very very lame.
5
"undermining the integrity of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events"
Integrity? No one capable of critical thinking believes the Olympics have any integrity. They lost that when they started allowing highly paid wealthy professional athletes to compete.
And now it's clear that it's not the best athletes who win, it's the ones with the best covert doping group behind them.
I am done watching this nonsense on television. Forty year old reruns of MASH are more entertaining.
Integrity? No one capable of critical thinking believes the Olympics have any integrity. They lost that when they started allowing highly paid wealthy professional athletes to compete.
And now it's clear that it's not the best athletes who win, it's the ones with the best covert doping group behind them.
I am done watching this nonsense on television. Forty year old reruns of MASH are more entertaining.
76
The successor to the KGB and a crooked doctor pulled off some sort of bizarro Ocean's Eleven urine heist to ensure their athletes had an advantage.
Well, this is certainly the most ridiculous behavior I've seen since the training scene in Rocky IV.
Well, this is certainly the most ridiculous behavior I've seen since the training scene in Rocky IV.
5
More proof, as if we needed it, that the games are dirty beyond retrieval.
Time to pull out, let the idea die a quiet death.
Either that or just do away with all the rules, let nations produce drug-formed monsters to battle to the death. That seems to be what the people want anyway.
Time to pull out, let the idea die a quiet death.
Either that or just do away with all the rules, let nations produce drug-formed monsters to battle to the death. That seems to be what the people want anyway.
15
Raise your hand if you didn't strongly suspect this in the first place.
If you hand is raised, give yourself a gentle slap to wake yourself up.
If you hand is raised, give yourself a gentle slap to wake yourself up.
55
I feel like this is just a sliver of the doping problem that's been rampant in the Games for decades. The USOC isn't immune from this either - it's just easier to look harder at the Russians than it is our own athletes. International pride and the desire for victory doesn't stop in Russia.
11
It just goes to show that Russia can't stand to lose at anything. I am unable to comprehend how they have sunk so low. Rigging the Olympics is just asinine behavior.
7
Should the Olympic committee take these doping athlete's metals back, like the Grammy committee took back the Grammies from Milli Vanilli?
45
An easy way would be to check off the names on Rodchenkov's spreadsheets, and dump the "athletes" accordingly.
3
In that sport if you don't use drugs you must give back medals.
1