Clever Consult Secures Significant Reduction of Sanction for Olympic Medalist Olga Fatkulina

Clever Consult lawyers provided legal assistance to Olympic silver medalist, World and European Champion in speed skating, Ms Olga Fatkulina, in disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA).

The athlete was charged with a serious violation of anti-doping rules. RUSADA sought the imposition of a maximum sanction under the applicable anti-doping regulations.

Disputing the allegations and maintaining that the prohibited substance may have found a way into her system with no intent on her side, Ms Fatkulina engaged Clever Consult to develop and substantiate an appropriate legal defense strategy.

During the proceedings, a comprehensive body of evidence was submitted to the RUSADA Disciplinary Anti-Doping Committee demonstrating that the athlete bore no significant fault or negligence. Upon review of the case, the Committee accepted the arguments advanced by the defense, resulting in a substantial reduction of the sanction - the period of ineligibility was set at one year only.

The period of ineligibility has now expired, and Ms Olga Fatkulina is eligible to compete again, i.e. to resume participation in sporting competitions.