Whistleblowers Stepanow face concerns over their right to continue hiding their identities
The Stepanov couple, who exposed state-sponsored doping in Russian athletics, have been living in the U.S. since fleeing Russia in 2014. However, as of now, there is no publicly available, up-to-date information confirming that they have sought asylum or face potential deportation.
Vitaly Stepanov, a former employee of Russia's anti-doping agency RUSADA, shared his insider knowledge in the ARD documentary "Top Secret Doping - How Russia Makes Its Champions" in 2014. His wife, Julia Stepanov, a former world-class middle-distance runner, was suspended for two years for doping in 2013. Julia secretly recorded meetings of Russian officials and top athletes to support Vitaly's revelations.
Their exposures caused a global stir in 2014, leading to the suspension of the Russian athletics federation and the revocation of the accreditation of the doping control laboratory in Moscow by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Despite their contributions, the Stepanovs are seen as traitors in their native Russia. They express concern about not having the right to live like normal people again. Vitaly Stepanov has stated that Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies are a major concern, causing constant worry and being a constant presence in his thoughts.
Recently, the Stepanovs' concerns about potential deportation to Russia were shared in a report on "sportschau.de". They do not have American citizenship and are unable to leave the country due to their asylum status.
In a letter addressed to representatives of WADA and World Athletics, Vitaly Stepanov reminded them of their promise of assistance, expressing his concerns about the current situation. The letter serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges faced by the Stepanovs, who continue to advocate for clean sport.
For the latest details, consulting recent news reports or official U.S. immigration statements would be necessary.
- The Stepanovs, who raised concerns about potential deportation to Russia, do not currently hold American citizenship.
- Scientific revelations by Vitaly Stepanov, a former RUSADA employee, exposed state-sponsored doping in Russian athletics, leading to the suspension of the Russian athletics federation.
- In the field of health-and-wellness, Julia Stepanov, a former world-class athlete, was suspended for two years for doping in 2013.
- The political landscape and the hardline immigration policies of Donald Trump are causing concern for Vitaly Stepanov, a key whistleblower in the Russian doping scandal, who fears constant worry due to his asylum status.
