Russian swimming has earned another black eye with the temporary suspension announced Thursday of not just another swimmer, but another elite, European and World Championship swimmer, Vladimir Dyatchin.
Dyatchin, who won the 10km open water race at both the 2003 and 2007 World Championships, has a total of 6 World Championship medals. That includes most recently in the 25km race in 2011.
RUSADA, Russia’s anti-doping agency, issued the temporary suspension to the 29-year old after a positive “A sample” at the 2014 Russian Open Water Championships on June 30th.
The suspending organization did not release details about the nature of the substance that was tested positive for, but did bar Dyatchanin from any competition or organized practices until the matter is settled.
The Russians, in what appears to be an attempt at transparency, have continued to announce these temporary suspensions publicly, whereas most countries prefer to wait until all proceedings have been completed. Still, Russia has had more opportunities, in swimming, to announce them than any other countries.
Other Russians of this caliber currently under suspension include breaststroke World Record holder Yulia Efimova, and European Champion/World Record holder Vitali Melnikov. Efimova received a 16-month suspension earlier this year, and Melnikov is still under a temporary ban since early April.
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Again??
This is beyond comical for Russia.