Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said the Russian Swimming Federation is one of “several” of the nation’s sports bodies at risk of suspension, citing doping violations.
“The number of breaches of anti-doping rules in the international arena is on the brink,” Mutko told Russian media, according to The Associated Press. “One or two more breaches and the federation could be suspended altogether.”
Kazan, Russia, is scheduled to host the 2015 World Swimming Championships next summer, the biggest swim meet between now and the Rio Olympics.
One of Russia’s most decorated swimmers, world champion breaststroker Yulia Efimova, received a backdated 16-month doping ban May 13 after she tested positive for a banned steroid last fall.
Russia won eight medals at the 2013 World Championships, fifth among all nations, including four won by Efimova (three individual events, one relay). Russia’s top men’s swimmers are sprint freestylers Vladimir Morozov and Danila Izotov, who help Russia rival the U.S., France and Australia in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
