Russian Vladimir Morozov pleads to be allowed to compete at Rio Olympics

CAMERON McEvoy’s main Russian rival Vladimir Morozov has pleaded his innocence of doping allegations and pleaded to be allowed to compete in Rio.

Vladimir Morozov of Russia has made his case to be allowed to compete at the Rio Olympics.

CAMERON McEvoy’s main Russian rival Vladimir Morozov has pleaded his innocence of doping allegations and pleaded for FINA to reinstate him for the Rio Olympic Games.

Morozov, one of the fastest men in the world for the 100m freestyle, has taken to Facebook to claim he has never once tested positive to performance enhancing drugs and says it would be unjust for him to be banned from racing in Rio.

Morozov was one of three Russian swimmers yesterday added to the list of seven athletes banned from competing in the pool in Rio because his named was mentioned in WADA’s independent McLaren report that uncovered systemic doping breaches by Russia.

McEvoy is Australia’s leading hope in the blue riband 100m freestyle and Morozov, with a personal best of 47.62s, was considered one of his main threats in Rio as the second fastest man in the world since the last Olympic Games.

In an open letter he posted on his Facebook page addressed to FINA president Julio Maglione, Morozov claimed he was a “clean athlete” and he’d been tested regularly by multiple anti-doping agencies over the past six years — not just the RUSADA organisation that was found to be corrupt in their practices.

“Recently I found out that due to a decision by FINA I can no longer compete in the Olympic Games 2016,” Morozov wrote.

“It is of a great surprise to me. I’ve always been a clean athlete. Throughout the last six years I’ve been drug tested by doping control agencies at my home and at the pool, at least once a month, and sometimes every other day.

“I’ve been controlled by FINA, WADA, RUSADA, USADA, UKAD in competition and out.

“Throughout these years of constant doping control I have never had a positive test or a missed test.

“I am sure that I am a clean athlete and my name must stay clean, supported by the facts of testing throughout the years.

“I am sure that in a justice-drive system I have full right to take part in the Olympic Games.

“I deeply respect Olympic values and am asking you with hope in justice and truth to let me compete at the Olympic Games.”

Originally published as Russian Vladimir Morozov pleads to be allowed to compete at Rio Olympics