JUNEAU — U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan says allegations of doping by Russian athletes undermine the confidence in the competitive process of the Olympics and a spirit of respect among nations.
Sullivan says that once a World Anti-Doping Agency investigation is complete, the International Olympic Committee must act swiftly to show that any rules violations will not be tolerated. Sullivan spokesman Mike Anderson tells The Associated Press that implies a ban on the Russian team from competing in this summer’s Olympics.
In a letter to International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, Sullivan also urged a thorough investigation into the impacts on past Olympic competitions.
Bach this week said allegations of state-sponsored doping in Russia could lead to suspension of entire national federations, heavy fines and lifetime Olympic bans. But he declined to say whether the committee would consider banning Russia from this year’s Olympics, saying the committee is waiting for the facts.
