Russian Biathlete Shipulin Says Anti-Doping 'Witch Hunt' Undermines Trust In Biathlon

Russian biathlete Anton Shipulin said Thursday that he has never violated anti-doping rules in his life, stressing that ongoing "witch hunt" undermines his confidence not only in the fight against doping, but also in biathlon as a sport in general.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th December, 2018) Russian biathlete Anton Shipulin said Thursday that he has never violated anti-doping rules in his life, stressing that ongoing "witch hunt" undermines his confidence not only in the fight against doping, but also in biathlon as a sport in general.

Late on Wednesday, media reported that Austrian police arrived to the place where the Russian biathlon team was staying in Austria's Hochfilzen. Russian tv host Dmitry Guberniev posted on Instagram a list of 10 members of the Russian team allegedly charged with the violation of anti-doping rules during the 2017 Biathlon World Championships.

"I have never used any prohibited substances.

I have never violated a single anti-doping rule. I have always been open to all anti-doping authorities and institutions. I have no explanation for recent events. I am angry and furious about the witch-hunt that is going on. It undermines my trust not only in anti-doping institutions in general, but in biathlon as a sport in particular," Shipulin wrote on Instagram.

He stressed that he had always been honest with himself, "Biathlon family" and fans.

"All possible accusations towards myself, even all rumors are nonsense. Total nonsense. ... I have nothing to blame myself for," Shipulin said.