Long pointed out as a hub for doping, Russia could take advantage of the Winter Games in Sochi next February to catch up in the fight against cheaters. This is the prediction of Richard Budgett, the IOC medical and scientific director. “I am happy to say that a lot of progress has been made over the last six months,” he explains in an interview with AFP. During his visit to Russia in March, the 1984 Olympic rowing gold medalist said he was "impressed" by the commitment shown by both the Sochi 2014 organizing committee and the Russian Anti-Doping Agency. (RUSADA). “Some may say that in terms of anti-doping it could be better but the good thing about having the Games is that it stimulates and encourages improvement in the anti-doping program,” said the British doctor. According to him, RUSADA has more than fifty well-trained agents and should have more than double that number by the end of the year.
— Published March 28, 2013
