In Russian sports, another scandal may flare up, in the center of which the triathlete Igor Polyansky, who performed in singles and team competitions at the Tokyo Olympics, risks being. The day before, a message appeared on the official website of the International Triathlon Federation (World Triathlon) about a possible violation of anti-doping rules by a domestic athlete. On July 21, two days before the opening ceremony of the Games in Japan, the athlete was tested for illegal drugs in Vladivostok, and on August 5, the results came, showing the presence of a prohibited substance in his body - erythropoietin (EPO).

A message from a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about the presence of traces of prohibited substances in the Russian's sample was transferred to World Triathlon after he performed at the Olympics. On July 26, Polyansky took part in the individual tournament, and five days later - in the mixed relay. True, it was not possible to achieve success. He finished 43rd in single-player and finished 14th in the team race.

At the moment, the final verdict in the Polyansky case has not been passed.

The athlete is temporarily suspended from the competition, but has the opportunity to request an autopsy of the B sample, according to the results of which the fact of doping can be either confirmed or denied.

If successful, he will be able to avoid the impending disqualification and continue performing.

Otherwise, the Russian will be suspended for four years, and his results in personal and team disciplines at the Tokyo Games will be canceled.

The Russian Triathlon Federation hastened to comment on the situation around Polyansky.

The organization announced the beginning of an investigation into the athlete, and also assured that he would be banned from participating in tournaments until an official verdict was issued.

“The doping test was taken during the training camp in Vladivostok on July 21, 2021. Sample“ A ”showed the presence of a prohibited drug in the athlete's blood - recombinant erythropoietin.

The Russian Triathlon Federation has a zero tolerance policy for anti-doping rule violations.

According to the results of the first test, the athlete will be removed from the competition.

An investigation will be carried out, including against the athlete's coaches, ”the FTR said in an official statement.

The incident with Polyansky was commented on by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).

The press service explained why the domestic organization will not take part in the investigation of this case.

“The jurisdiction of RUSADA in terms of sampling did not extend on July 21 to this athlete. Moreover, he is an international athlete, and the international federation was involved in doping testing at that time. There is a clear division of the spheres of anti-doping control, which RUSADA observes and does not intrude into the sphere of legal personality of other participants in anti-doping legal relations. The investigation of this case also falls under the jurisdiction of the International Federation, and RUSADA has no information about this case. Any anti-doping offense is the basis for strengthening control over both the athlete and the corresponding sporting area, ”RUSADA explained to TASS.

The incident with the participation of the Russian triathlete was commented on by the Minister of Sports of Russia Oleg Matytsin.

The functionary called the situation "more than alarming" and assured that he was already in contact with the Russian Triathlon Federation.

“We will take the most stringent measures if it is confirmed.

Such an isolated case, unfortunately, is an unpleasant background for the successful performance of our team (at the Olympics -

RT

).

If it becomes known that someone else was involved in this incident, then the most severe penalties will be applied.

We are working together now, I hope that this single grave fact will not affect what is generally being done in Russia.

We are actively fighting the use of doping, ”said Matytsin.

It is worth noting that the situation with Polyansky arose at the wrong time. Firstly, domestic athletes just a few days ago completed their performance at the Games in Tokyo, where they took fifth place in the unofficial team event. Secondly, at present Russia is under sanctions due to the situation around RUSADA, in connection with which athletes are forced to compete in neutral status at major international competitions. And it is not surprising that many wondered if the emergence of a new doping scandal could lead to an extension of the suspension. However, sports lawyer Aleksey Karpenko believes that the story with the triathlete will not cause such consequences.

“I doubt that large-scale sanctions will follow.

This will entail disqualification for a particular period of a particular athlete, but it is unlikely that sanctions will be applied to Russian sports in general or to the Russian Triathlon Federation.

Large-scale sanctions by WADA and the International Olympic Committee were introduced against Russia and its individual federations several times, but then it was about the systemic use of doping by athletes and the identification of the facts of manipulation of samples at the level of laboratories located in Russia, "Gazeta.Ru quotes Karpenko ".

His colleague Artyom Patsev agreed with him.

According to him, the possible disqualification of Polyansky should not lead to tougher punishment in relation to Russian sports.

“The sanctions were imposed for the fact that the state allegedly interfered in the process of transferring the database to the Moscow laboratory, changing something.

And here the specific cases of specific athletes ... This is an individual matter, it has nothing to do with the position of Russia as a whole in the anti-doping arena, let's say, "- quotes Patseva" Championship ".

In Russia, the story of the potential disqualification of Polyansky caused a reaction not only in the sports community, but also in the State Duma.

Dmitry Svishchev, a member of the committee for physical culture, sports, tourism and youth affairs, harshly criticized the behavior of the triathlete, but stressed that the same happens abroad.

“From the point of view of the fact that this is happening at a time when there are a lot of troubles in Russia, the act of this athlete is a betrayal in relation to his comrades who have never taken illegal drugs ... We must face the truth, unfortunately, this the case is not only for our team. This is the scourge of the entire planet. Some athletes rely not only on their own strength, but want to help themselves with illegal drugs. What's the point of doing nasty things if you get caught? Today, in a year, three, but it will come up. You betrayed not only yourself and your coach, but also your teammates. The athlete must immediately explain why he does not care about himself, his comrades, and incur a well-deserved punishment, "Svishchev said.

The Olympic champion in speed skating Svetlana Zhurova is of the same opinion.

According to her, the blow to the image of Russian sports would be even more noticeable if Polyansky took high places at the Tokyo Olympics, but the triathlete's unsuccessful performance at the Games does not make his act any less unacceptable and outrageous.

“I don’t really understand why an athlete who occupies 43rd place should substitute the country like that.

When a person goes to such things, this is absolute carelessness.

I admit that this arbitrariness - I wanted it myself, I did it myself.

Very often, the one who decides to use doping is engaged in an individual program, and not in the national team.

I admit that it was the same here.

Before the Olympics, doing such things is the height of stupidity and irresponsibility, ”Sport24 quotes Zhurova.

In turn, the three-time Olympic champion in figure skating Irina Rodnina urged to bring Polyansky to criminal responsibility in case of confirmation of his use of doping.

“It would seem that everything has already been explained, but if a person has no brains, no respect for what he does, for the country ... We have an article that punishes people for taking doping.

Maybe we'll start using it someday?

In 2016, an article appeared for the use and inducement to doping.

Having tested positive, we have not attracted a single person since 2016.

Maybe, in the end, we will begin to live according to the law and rules? "

- declared Rodnina.