Split at WADA: Norwegians spit on anti-doping law and risk expulsion from sport

how it all started

The Norwegian anti-doping agency Antidoping Norway (ADNO) received a warning for non-compliance with the WADA code. It’s a paradox, but the problems of their country’s sport were created by their own legislators. Norway is very sensitive to the rights of minors, and among many laws that may seem absurd in other countries, a rule was passed in 2018 that an athlete under the age of 18 cannot be tested for doping without the consent of their parents or guardians.

Thus, as the Norwegian TV channel explains TRNCthe main principle of the test, the principle of surprise, is violated.

Ultimately, if a minor’s legal representative agrees to have his ward undergo a doping test, the junior athlete will be informed in advance of the doping official’s imminent visit. And this undermines the possible purity of the test: if the teenager took illegal drugs, he may have time to “cover his tracks.” Accordingly, WADA has concluded that in recent years ADNO has failed to meet its obligations under the International Anti-Doping Code.

What could threaten Norway

First of all, let’s make it clear that a warning about non-compliance with the WADA Code is not the same as recognition of non-compliance. Norway has at least until winter, according to a letter sent by Norwegian Olympic Committee (NIF) President Berit Kjell and ADNO President Thorhild Vidvi to Anette Trettebergstuen, Minister for Culture and Gender Equality, and Kjersti, Minister for Children and Families. tope. In the current period, changes should be made in the legislation to resolve the conflict with the WADA Code.

Otherwise, there may be sanctions. Nils Einar Aas, secretary general of the Norwegian Olympic Committee, agrees that the most severe punishment can be imposed on Norwegian sports.

“We may lose the right to participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, other championships, or we may lose the right to organize competitions ourselves. Naturally, this will be a serious blow to Norwegian sport. “This could have very serious consequences for ADNO and for the whole sport of the country,” he said.

“If the facts are confirmed, it is a major violation”

Yuri Ganus, former Director General of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), talked about possible sanctions against Russian sports. He emphasized that the tests of the athletes must be done without notice and that no one has the right to violate or exceed this rule.

“Testing facts with prior notice from underage athletes are set there.

If these facts are really confirmed, then this is a gross violation of the test rules, doping control procedures. In this regard, such inconsistencies can indeed lead to the most serious consequences.

And the age of athletes is not a basis for justifying established facts. Athletes should be tested without prior notice and these rules are the same for everyone. “Sport-Express”.

“I would applaud if the Norwegians are banned from the competition”

Four-time Olympic biathlon champion Alexander Tikhonov spoke harshly about this situation. Tikhonov said he thinks possible sanctions against Norwegian sports are correct and would be pleased if they were actually implemented.

“Finally! I totally support it, it will be very true. Norwegians see themselves as an elite where anything is allowed.

You know, I once made a proposal to ban the World Cups and World Championships in Norway, Sweden and Finland. If this happens, I will applaud, ”said Tikhonov TASS.

“The rules are the same for everyone”

Russian skier, Olympic champion and silver medalist of the Sochi Games Alexander Legkov admitted to socialbites.ca that he doubted the Norwegians would be punished.

“Do I really believe that Norwegian sports can be approved? Judging by the stories of recent years, I do not believe it.

Well, the rules are the same for everyone. And if they violated something, they, like everyone else, must be held accountable for it,” said Legkov.

The famous athlete urged not to draw an analogy between the current state of Norwegian sport and the sanctions that the sport has been in existence for years in Russia.

“The specifics are worth waiting for, and then it will become clear whether it makes sense to draw parallels. We need to see how the situation develops, and we will already understand it, ”concluded Legkov.