FairSport Statement on the Passage of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act

Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act Becomes a Law

Five years ago, Grigory Rodchenkov started his journey to expose the Russian doping machine when he escaped from certain prison and probable death in Russia and flew to America. After being exposed by Yuliya and Vitaly Stepanov in their groundbreaking and brave whistleblowing disclosures, Grigory quickly became the fall guy for the system.  

His life at risk, and acting upon the outstretched hand of filmmaker Bryan Fogel, Dr. Rodchenkov fled to Los Angeles with his computer and his extensive diaries and began to work on documenting his leadership of the Russian doping program. All of this was captured vividly in the Oscar®-winning documentary film Icarus. 

The producers of Icarus, recognizing the need to effect lasting change in the sports world, took their proceeds from the successful sale of the film to start FairSport, to help whistleblowers in sport, including the continuation of Dr. Rodchenkov’s work.

Working hand in hand with Dr. Rodchenkov, his attorneys, the Helsinki Commission, Global Athlete and the United States Anti-Doping Agency, FairSport has played an active role in bringing the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act (RADA) to passage.  

FairSport was formed to support sport whistleblowers like Dr. Rodchenkov who have no institutional or public support as they seek to tell their stories. In addition to furthering the passage of RADA, Rodchenkov’s testimony has aided the Court of Arbitration in Sport and numerous sport governing bodies in effectuating suspension of many Olympic Athletes, annulling numerous podium finishes and forcing the rightful reallocation of major event medals to their rightful owners.

The passage of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act marks a great day for clean athletes of the world. The sponsors and providers of doping inducements, particularly in coordinated and organized State programs, will now for the first time be liable for their actions and subject to severe financial and legal penalties. For the first time there will be real deterrence for doping violations and the state sponsored corruption and criminal activities that go along with it.

Jim Swartz                                                      Johann Koss

Co-Founder, FairSport                               Co-Founder, FairSport