WADA to investigate bullying accusations
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has hired a law firm to investigate accusations of bullying and harassment within the organisation after an initial probe was unable to prove any improper behaviour.
Beckie Scott, a Canadian Olympic gold medal cross country skier and WADA's athletes committee chair, accused members of the executive committee of inappropriate comments and gestures during a September meeting in the Seychelles.
The claims related to her opposition to the reinstatement of Russia's anti-doping agency.
WADA conducted an external independent review and discussed the report at meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan in November.
It determined the findings did not conclude the alleged bullying had taken place.
However, given the seriousness of the allegations, WADA decided a second investigation should be carried out and that the agency should seek legal advice.
In a statement issued in Toronto on Thursday, WADA said the law firm Covington & Burling had "been given the mandate to conduct a full and thorough investigation of allegations of bullying and harassment, including interviews of the relevant parties".
