IPC Statement – McLaren independent investigation into Sochi 2014 doping allegations

In response to WADA’s Independent Person Report issued on Monday (18 July), the IPC President Sir Philip Craven has made the following statement:

“We are truly shocked, appalled and deeply saddened at the extent of the state sponsored doping programme implemented in Russia ahead of Sochi 2014. The findings of the McLaren report mark a very dark day for sport.

“The IPC will now analyse the report’s findings in detail to evaluate what impact they have on the Paralympic Movement and Para Sport.

“After an initial review of the report, we note the 35 ‘disappearing’ positive samples from Paralympic sport between 2012 and 2015 and have sent a letter to WADA and the report’s author Richard McLaren seeking further information on these samples. We have also requested urgent clarification from both parties to better establish how the findings implicate the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games and Russian Para athletes as the report defines the Sochi Games as the XXII Olympic Winter Games.

“Once we have the further details we have requested from both parties, the IPC Governing Board will convene for a telephone conference. The Board will discuss the findings of the report and decide what relevant action needs to be taken to protect clean athletes competing in Paralympic sport. This may include provisional measures and sanctions with regards to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.”

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