Statement based on the new ARD Documentary “Secret Doping - The Lord of the Lifters”

Statement from: British Athletes Commission, United States Olympic and Paralympic Athlete Advisory Council, United States Weightlifting Athlete Council and Global Athlete

Based on the new ARD Documentary “Secret Doping - The Lord of the Lifters”  

Engaging the athletes is a crucial step for reform.

9 January 2020: Athletes have taken note of the ARD Documentary “Secret Doping - The Lord of the Lifters” and call on the International Weightlifting Federation, the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to address these allegations in timely, independent, robust and most importantly in a transparent manner.

Weightlifting as an Olympic sport has a bright future. That future must see leadership committed to equal and meaningful athlete engagement to strengthen the sport. The athletes will be the ones most affected if the sport is not enhanced.

We encourage all weightlifting athletes to come forward to be a part of the solution by either reaching to out to your fellow athletes and athletes’ commissions, Global Athlete or to WADA and other trusted whistleblower lines.

Once again investigative journalism (ARD) has exposed alleged corruption in sport. Another sign that sport leaders cannot self-regulate. That is why we will continually advocate for equal and collective athlete representation.

Athletes want to be a part of the solution to grow sport.