Russia: WADA report based on 'speculation,' says champion speed skater Svetlana Zhurova

Russian speed skater and parliamentarian Svetlana Zhurova criticised the World Anti-Doping Agency's independent report that alledges widespread doping among Russian athletes during an interview in Sochi on Friday. Discussing the report, Zhurova said that "nothing really serious is mentioned, but small claims are made which are emotional, exaggerated and seem scandalous. At the same time in the report’s conclusions it is mentioned that everything in it is related only to the opinions of the independent experts. And what is not proven is just guesses and speculation from this commission. This is exactly what they say, not even trying to conceal it." Zhurova, who won Olympic gold in Turin in 2006, also condemned media speculation surrounding the ongoing doping scandal, suggesting that many commenting on the affair "are discussing a report which they haven’t even read." Russian sports authorities are to discover the fate of their athletes within the next 24 hours, with a possible ban from participation in next year's Olympics being mooted. Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an internal investigation into allegations of doping among Russia's athletes, telling sports leaders in Sochi on Wednesday that "the fight against doping in sport is still relevant and needs proper attention."