#Anti-Doping

ITA imposes two-year sanctions on nine Russia wrestlers

Thursday, April 27, 2023 - 09:44 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 27) -- The International Testing Agency (ITA), leading an independent anti-doping program for United World Wrestling (UWW), has successfully prosecuted nine Russian wrestlers for the use of prohibited substances based on data retrieved from the Moscow laboratory.

The cases are based on investigations conducted by WADA’s Intelligence & Investigations Department (WADA I&I) and by Professor Richard McLaren into allegations of systemic doping practices in Russian sport as well as Moscow Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) data retrieved by WADA I&I over time. The evidence was provided by WADA I&I to the ITA in 2021 and 2022 for further assessment. In particular, these investigations uncovered LIMS data indicative of the presence of banned substances in samples provided by the athletes in 2012.

The ITA reports that in line with the UWW Anti-Doping Rules (UWW ADR), the following Russian wrestlers have each admitted to the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) and accepted a two-year period of Ineligibility for the Use of a Prohibited Substance (Article 2.2 of the applicable UWW ADR) and disqualification of all competitive results from 20 November 2012 until 20 November 2014. The athletes benefitted from “early admission” and partial backdating of their period of Ineligibility was granted (Article 10.9.2 of the applicable version of the UWW ADR):

Dariya LEKSINA – period of ineligibility until March 1, 2023
Elena VOSTRIKOVA – period of ineligibility until March 1, 2023
Margarita FATKULINA – period of ineligibility until November 18, 2023
Elena GETTA – period of ineligibility until November 18, 2023
Anzhela KATAEVA – period of ineligibility until November 18, 2023
Elena KULIKOVA – period of ineligibility until November 18, 2023
Alevtina LISITSINA – period of ineligibility until November 18, 2023
Anastasiya SHCHAVLINSKAYA – period of ineligibility until November 18, 2023

Athlete Aleksey SHCHEKOV did not admit to the ADRV and thus did not benefit from early admission reduction (Article 10.9.2 of the applicable UWW ADR). He was sanctioned with a 2-year period of ineligibility until 1 March 2024 and the disqualification of all competitive results from 6 April 2012 until 2 March 2022.

During the period of ineligibility, as per Article 10.14 of the UWW ADR, the athletes cannot participate in any capacity in any competition or any other activity either at the international or national level organized by any Signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code.

Development

United World Wrestling's Commitment: Empowering Athletes and Coaches for the Paris Olympics

Monday, July 22, 2024 - 19:17 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (July 22) -- In a remarkable demonstration of dedication and support for athletes, United World Wrestling (UWW) has played an important role in helping athletes qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Olympic Solidarity, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and UWW Development, a total of 213 athletes and coaches benefited from the UWW Technical Assistance for the continental qualifiers and participated in acclimatization camps ahead of the continental qualifiers for the Paris Olympics.

In total, over 200,000 CHF has been invested globally in helping athletes qualify for the Games via continental qualifiers. This substantial financial commitment underscores UWW's unwavering dedication to nurturing wrestling talent and fostering elite-level development of the sport worldwide.

Athletes Qualified for the Paris Olympic Games
The result of this concerted effort has been outstanding, with 9 athletes under UWW financial support from 4 different nations successfully qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.

The following athletes have secured their spots at the Paris Olympic Games via the continental qualifiers:

  • Chaimaa Fouzia Aouissi (ALG)
  • Bacar Ndum (GBS)
  • Diamantino Iuna Fafe (GBS)
  • Oussama Assad (MAR)
  • Gaku Akazawa (SAM)
  • Tayla Tuahine Ford (NZL)
  • Genesis Rosangela Reasco Valdez (ECU)
  • Darian Toi Ruz (PUR)
  • Ethan Adrian Ramos (PUR)

In addition, last year, through UWW Technical Assistance provided during the Senior World Championships (1st phase of the Paris OG qualifier), 3 athletes secured their qualification for the Paris Olympic Games. These athletes are:

  • Sebastian C Rivera (PUR)
  • Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (MGL)
  • Tatiana Renteria Renteria (COL)

In total 12 athletes benefited from the UWW financial support qualified spots for the Paris Olympic Games.

Refugee Athletes
With the support of Olympic Solidarity, the following refugee athletes have also qualified and will be part of the Refugee Olympic Team:

  • Iman MAHDAVI
  • Jamal VALIZADEH

Empowering Female Coaches at Elite Level
In addition to the athletes, the Olympic Solidarity and UWW Women in Sport High-Performance (WISH) program has made a significant advancement for gender equality in wrestling.

Three WISH program coaches attended the continental Olympic qualifiers:

  • Marwa Amri (TUN)
  • Carissa Holland (AUS)
  • Happiness Enugu Burutu (NGR)

This initiative marks a significant step forward for the sport of wrestling, contributing to the expansion of elite female coaches participating in high-level international competitions.

Safeguarding Athletes at Olympic Qualifiers
In alignment with IOC recommendations, United World Wrestling (UWW) has taken proactive measures to safeguard athletes participating in championships and Olympic Qualifiers. Dedicated staff members have been stationed at these events to provide vigilant oversight and ensure athletes' safety, protecting them from any form of harassment or abuse.

UWW's steadfast commitment to athlete welfare extends beyond competition success, prioritizing their well-being and creating a secure environment conducive to athletic excellence. By implementing these measures, UWW upholds the principles of fairness, respect, and integrity, fostering a culture where athletes can thrive and pursue their Olympic aspirations, reinforcing the organization's role as a guardian of athlete rights and dignity on the global stage.

United World Wrestling's comprehensive support system, encompassing financial aid, technical assistance, and development programs, has been crucial in helping athletes and coaches achieve their dreams of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games. This initiative not only highlights the global reach and impact of UWW but also underscores its commitment to fostering talent and promoting gender equality and inclusion in the sport of wrestling. As the countdown to the Paris Olympic Games continues, the success stories of these athletes and coaches will undoubtedly inspire future generations of wrestlers worldwide.