Russian whistleblower lives in fear in America

Image
AFP New York
Last Updated : Feb 12 2018 | 5:20 PM IST
Doping guru Grigory Rodchenkov has emerged from hiding, donning a disguise and reiterating that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to silence him for good.
The controversial whistleblower and former head of Moscow's anti-doping laboratory says he is risking his life by exposing Russian doping secrets.
In his first televised interview since fleeing his native Russia, Rodchenkov told the American news programme 60 Minutes on Sunday night that he continues to live in fear in the United States.
"Kremlin wants me to stop talking," Rodchenkov told interviewer Scott Pelley.
Since fleeing to America in November 2015, he has gone into hiding because he says Putin wants him dead -- a claim he has made several times previously.
The news magazine programme allowed Rodchenkov to wear a disguise and showed him putting on and walking around in a bulletproof vest.
"(The disguise) was done for security reasons," says Rodchenkov, who dyed his hair a different colour and shaved his mustache. "There is information that my life is in jeopardy and we took all necessary steps."
Rodchenkov's escape to America followed the sudden death of two senior officials from Russia's anti-doping agency. There is a warrant out for his arrest back home.
"I am not a liar. I was not telling truth in Russia but coming to United States I am telling the truth."
Rodchenkov said he now wants to dedicate his time to exposing drug cheats and being an advocate for change.
He doubts whether the Olympics will ever have a level playing field for the athletes.
"You could believe but in fact it is human nature," he said. "It is our sins. It has nothing to do with sports. There are 10, 15 percent who are incorrigible. You can do nothing, they are cheaters by nature."
Because Rodchenkov was one of those self-admitted cheaters, he is apologizing for his role in the scandals and the deception that he says still goes on, using formulas and techniques that he helped develop.
"I am sorry to create such a problem because of my experience and knowledge," he said.
"Now it is effective and working and it is not my contribution to fight against doping."
As a result of his whistleblowing the Russians were stripped of Olympic medals and Russia was banned from this week's Pyeongchang Games.
But the International Olympic Committee allowed a large group of Russians deemed clean to take part as "Olympic Athletes from Russia."
The team of Russian athletes stands at 168, the fourth biggest contingent at the Games. Russian competitors marched behind a neutral Olympic flag at Friday's opening ceremony.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 12 2018 | 5:20 PM IST

Next Story