“They blame those who have nothing to do with this”: Agapitov about suspicions of Russia and the upcoming WADA meeting

- On December 9, the executive committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA ) will hold a meeting, following which Russia risks being excluded from international competitions for four years. How fair is this punishment?

- I am solely responsible for weightlifting. But I can say that the preliminary recommendations are completely unfair to us. It seems that those who have nothing to do with this are accused of interfering with the database. Even if this was the place to be, then we did not participate in them.

- Do you believe that the Russian side could really carry out fraud with the data of the Moscow anti-doping laboratory?

- There are a number of questions. If fraud took place, then where are the existing accusations against our weightlifters? So, the intervention was not very effective? When I became the president of the FTR, the leadership and coaching staff changed by 99%. We have done global work, analyzed past mistakes, strengthened weaknesses, created the most advanced anti-doping system and today we are an example to follow for most organizations around the world. This was noted by the IWF Executive Committee, and the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, and other national federations.

- How can I remove a federation that has made such progress on the issue of anti-doping?

- It is not correct. Such decisions will either be made in order to prevent Russians from entering international competitions, or by mistake.

- Given the current situation, it seems that there are problems with the use of prohibited drugs only in Russia?

- Doping is a sport issue all over the world. For example, in weightlifting in the period from 2008 to 2012, 57 positive samples were passed as a result of a second test. We are talking about top athletes from 17 countries.

- How to evaluate this situation?

- This is a catastrophe. The result of the anti-doping activities of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). At the same time, its representatives claim that they did an excellent job. This is confirmed by leading Western lawyers. The problem is clearly politicized.

- What is the reason that anti-doping rule violators come to light after such a period of time?

- These people are so incompetent that they initially lay the wrong message. In their opinion, the reason is that the old method did not allow to reveal violations one month after taking the sample. And only after 10 years a new method appeared that supposedly determines the presence of prohibited substances, even if the analysis was taken a long time ago.

- What is the inconsistency?

- Previously, doping could be detected a month before the Olympics and not let the violator go there. But that was not done. And now we are being told about new techniques. It's a lie. Just nobody caught anyone.

- In your opinion, this situation does not indicate progress in the fight against illicit drugs?

- Not. The problem is that last year there was a similar incident. Nine Thai athletes tested positive only after a deeper analysis. So, the goal is not to catch the offenders, but to punish specific countries. Again, politics.

- What do you have in mind?

- What happens if you check all the countries as deeply as it does with Russia? The question is, do we want to clear the sport or to humiliate and crush someone? Yes, we caught Thailand, but do we want to destroy weightlifting in this country? For the fine they paid, you can organize a high-quality anti-doping system.

- Speaking of the possible removal of Russia from international competitions, how seriously will it hit domestic athletes?

- Competitive practice is necessary. Of course, much depends on the reaction of the state. If we do not speak, then it can stop financing. In this case, there will be a decline.

- The consequences promise to be impressive?

- One can only guess. We will try to preserve our methods, coaches, athletes and the culture of our weightlifting. Because it is a fundamental sport that is more important than many other disciplines. Our 135-year practice has accumulated knowledge and experience. And dope is something acquired.

- How important is it for an athlete to go out with the flag of his country and hear the anthem during victories?

- The issue of speaking with the flag is very delicate and sensitive. This should be treated a little philosophically. We all live on the same land and are in the same boat. In terms of excitement, yes, we are divided into countries. Each has its own methodology, goals. Sport was not invented in order to make money or to show the political or economic superiority of one state over another.

- For what?

- Demonstrate how much a person can develop and open up horizons of their own capabilities. Sports interest is to meet at competitions and show the result of the work done. And here already each country has the ambition to prove that its methods and tactics are the best.

- How important is it for Russian weightlifters to continue to protect the colors of their tricolor?

- Of course, we would like to fly under our flag, because we love and are proud of our country. The same goes for the anthem. The absence of a coat of arms will not help the fight against doping. In 2018, we were not allowed to attend the children's Olympics for the events of a decade ago. But then, these athletes did not even go to the gym. And such an opportunity is provided once in a lifetime.

- Does it seem like the current anti-doping rules require serious revision?

- In its current form, they only push to conceal violations. They create a favorable field for fraud and corruption. Weak leaders of national federations follow this path. We are not like that, so we discovered a violation and acted differently. Therefore, we are under pressure.