Lausanne, Switzerland – Web Desk: The World Anti-Doping Agency has announced the completion of its investigation into the Moscow laboratory data, marking a major milestone in one of the largest doping probes in sports history.
The investigation, conducted under “Operation LIMS,” resulted in sanctions against 291 Russian athletes, with a total of 302 penalties imposed across multiple disciplines.
According to the report, athletes from 22 different sports were sanctioned by 23 anti-doping organizations, with weightlifting and athletics among the hardest hit.
At least 11 athletes were found guilty of multiple violations, while four cases remain under review.
WADA President Witold Bańka described the operation as one of the most successful enforcement actions in the history of anti-doping efforts.
The probe follows revelations in 2015 of a state-backed doping program in Russia, which led to the suspension of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency. It was later reinstated in 2018 under strict conditions, allowing investigators access to crucial Moscow lab data in 2019.
However, evidence of data manipulation resulted in a separate four-year ban on Russia from major international sporting events.
The conclusion of the investigation underscores ongoing global efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in international sports.
