WASHINGTON—Helsinki Commissioners Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Sen. Cory Gardner (CO), and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) met yesterday with Russian doping whistleblower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov in the Capitol. Topics discussed included the threat posed by Russia to the United States, corruption in international sports bodies, and how the United States can contribute to the international effort to counter doping fraud. Dr. Rodchenkov’s precarious circumstances in the United States also were discussed.
“Dr. Rodchenkov’s story is yet another example of the Kremlin’s willingness to flout international rules and standards. It is deplorable that he must continue to fear for his life and was forced even to wear a ski mask in our meeting today to protect his appearance. Yet in light of the recent nerve gas attack in England made in retaliation against Sergei Skripal, this appears totally, tragically justified. I am impressed and inspired by Dr. Rodchenkov’s bravery. I will continue to speak out about the fundamental human rights of the Russian people, and push the administration to do more to push back on Russia’s attacks on our norms and values,” said Sen. Cardin.
“Dr. Rodchenkov is a courageous individual whose whistleblowing has strengthened the global fight against corruption in international sports and elsewhere. It was a pleasure to meet him in person. Whistleblowers are a fundamental element of society based on the rule of law. His story deserves to be told and emulated again and again,” added Rep. Jackson Lee.
Dr. Rodchenkov is the former head of Russia’s anti-doping lab and recently exposed Russia’s massive, state-run doping program leading to Russia’s exclusion from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. He is currently in the United States living under heightened security given credible threats to his life. The Oscar-winning Netflix documentary Icarus chronicles Dr. Rodchenkov’s journey from head of Russia’s state-sponsored doping program to whistleblower in exile.
