Russian Anti-Doping Agency Turns to USADA

Russia has funded the new Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RusADA) with new equipment and $5 million. RusADA is an independent agency created to test athletes for anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. Representatives from RusADA are visiting the United States to learn more about the U.S. doping control program – United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) – and strengthen relationships with their U.S. counterparts.

Vyacheslav Fetisov, Russian sports minister who happens to be a founding member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), expresses his admiration of USADA.

The Americans have made great strides in the fight against doping and we’re keen to learn more about their system.

The structure of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency will be modeled upon USADA. Travis Tygart, the CEO of USADA, believes USADA independent model of doping control has been effective.

Of course, not everyone believes USADA has been fair, must less competent and effective. Trust But Verify is amused that Russia is looking to the USADA for answers:

There’s something about the blind leading the blind that comes to mind, but the thought that RusADA is being formed only now is also mind blowing. This just in: rumours of sports doping behind the Iron Curtain.