WADA turn to Aussie to help Russians

An Australian war crimes investigator has been appointed by WADA to help the Russian anti-doping agency rebuild its battered reputation and credibility.

Peter Nicholson, who investigated war crimes for the United Nations, also sits on the three-person Cycling Independent Reform Commission and is the ethics commissioner for the International Cricket Council.

He will be assisted by Ieva Lukosiute-Stanikuniene, the director of the Lithuanian Anti-Doping Agency and chair of the Council of Europe Advisory Group on Education, who will take up her role on May 25.

The pair have been appointed as part of a number of reforms Russia hopes will repair confidence in its anti-doping body.

Russia was suspended by the IAAF, athletics' world governing body, last November after being accused of "state sponsored" doping in a report commissioned by WADA.

Nicholson and Lukosiute-Stanikuniene will have "full and free" access for as long as necessary "to ensure the Russian anti-doping system is free of undue interference and is fully independent", the ministry of sport said last week.

WADA president Sir Craig Reedie said: "Engaging Peter Nicholson and Ieva Lukosiute-Stanikuniene is a critical step on the road to recovery for the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).

"WADA is pleased that they have accepted the challenge of helping rebuild the agency. Appointing the experts was a central part of the agreed 'road map', and it is a vital step forward in ensuring that athlete and public trust returns to the Russian anti-doping system and Russian sport."

Sergey Khrychkov has been appointed by WADA to the newly-formed RUSADA board, fulfilling one of WADA's requirements.