On December 9, 2016, the World Anti-Doping Agency details a vast "institutional conspiracy" involving Russian officials and more than 1,000 athletes in systematic doping at major athletic competitions, including the Olympics. A second WADA report says the conspiracy involves the Russian Sports Ministry, national anti-doping agency and the FSB intelligence service and that the cheating and cover-ups were on an "unprecedented scale" from 2011-15.
By: History.com Editors
2016
World Anti-Doping Agency accuses Russia of widespread cheating at Olympics
Published: September 13, 2021
Last Updated: January 24, 2025
The Olympic Games: Fast Facts
Historian Yohuru Williams dives into the history of the Olympic Games.
"For years, international sports competitions have been knowingly hijacked by the Russians," a WADA investigator told reporters. "Coaches and athletes have been playing on an uneven field. Sports fans and spectators have been deceived."
After an initial investigation in July, a second investigation implicated more than 1,000 athletes, many of whom competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
When McLaren’s findings were revealed, the Russians cried foul.
"This is what we expected," said Dmitry Svishchev, head of Russia's curling federation. "There's nothing new, only empty allegations against all of us. If you are Russian, you'll get accused of every single sin."
WADA aimed to bar Russia from all world sports championships for the state-sponsored scheme. In 2019, Russia was hit with a four-year ban for the doping programs. But the ban was later reduced to two years. At the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 2021, Russian athletes were ordered to compete in unmarked uniforms without the country’s flag.
Timeline
Also on This Day in History
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on December 9th
Related Articles
Sports
Who Invented Basketball?
A Canadian is to thank for one of America’s favorite pastimes.
Sports
Hot Springs, Grapefruits and the Babe: A History of Spring Training
From the resort town that started it all to the astounding feat of strength by a legend of the sport, here are four stories you might not know about the origin of spring training.
Sports
The Origins of 7 Popular Sports
Their backstories may surprise you.
Sports
How Jim Thorpe Became America’s First Multi-Sport Star
The Native American was an Olympic medalist, NFL standout and a MLB player — he even won a ballroom dancing championship.
About the author
HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata.
Fact Check
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Citation Information
- Article title
- World Anti-Doping Agency accuses Russia of widespread cheating at Olympics
- Author
- History.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- March 24, 2025
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- January 24, 2025
- Original Published Date
- September 13, 2021
History Every Day
Sign Up for "This Day in History"
Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.
By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.
More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us
