Russia is back in world sport. But who's drug testing its athletes?

Testing figures raise questions

ITA reports show that four of the 16 Russian weightlifters at this year’s world championships had an out-of-competition test from the agency in the first nine months of 2026. Two-time European champion Anastasiia Romanova, who previously served a two-year doping ban, was among those not tested by the ITA in that period.

By comparison, all 13 North Korean team members had at least one ITA test during the same period. North Korea, like Russia, has a history of weightlifting doping violations.

The ITA told DW it tested all 16 Russian athletes before they competed. DW understands the tests took place in Ningbo, China, where the championships are being held.

Why testing timing matters

In weightlifting, performance-enhancing drugs can be most beneficial during training, when athletes build strength and muscle in the months before competition. Some substances, including anabolic steroids, may be harder to detect by the time an event takes place.

Rob Koehler, head of the athlete-led movement Global Athlete, called the lack of out-of-competition testing “absurd.” He told DW that testing outside events is essential because athletes cannot know when those tests will happen. Koehler also argued Russia should face greater scrutiny than other countries. “If you don't do that, you're undermining athlete confidence in the system,” he said.

ITA defends its approach

ITA spokesperson Marta Nawrocka said Russian athletes were among the ten most-tested nationalities in weightlifting this year. She said the agency’s highest-priority testing pool includes two Russian weightlifters, with selection based on performance and risk profiles. Nawrocka said Russia’s doping history remains relevant to the ITA’s risk assessment and testing priorities, and that Russian weightlifters remain subject to substantial testing activity.

WADA and accountability concerns

WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald told DW the organization remains vigilant about Russia and must verify that proper testing and other anti-doping work are taking place. RUSADA can still investigate and prosecute cases involving Russian athletes despite its suspension.

Koehler, identified as WADA’s former deputy director general, criticized the arrangement, saying WADA could not enter Russia to see what RUSADA was doing. He said there was “no oversight and no accountability.” The report also notes critics’ concerns about RUSADA’s leadership and independence, but the supplied text ends before explaining those concerns further.