Quick weightlifting news update.
The Russian Weightlifting Federation (FTAR) held an executive committee meeting which resulted in some interesting changes.
Maxim Agapitov (who took over president of Russian weightlifting in November) plans to run for the position first vice-president of the International Weightlifting Federation at the upcoming IWF elections in May. (via)
They also discussed Sergei Syrtsov’s position as the European Weightlifting Federation’s (EWF) Vice President.
FTAR’s executive committee unanimously adopted a decision to revoke the former head of the organization Sergey Syrtsov from the post of First Vice-President of the European Weightlifting Federation (the EWF), but the final verdict will be handed down by the EWF. (via)
Remember that Syrtsov’s appointment to the EWF Anti Doping Commission resulted in a lot of criticism .
From the IWF board meeting notes:
A Position Statement regarding Mr. Syrtsov’s function as EWF ADC Chairman was accepted:
“IWF EB expresses disappointment over the appointment of Mr. Sergey Syrtsov, President of the Russian Weightlifting Federation as Chair of the EWF Anti-Doping Commission. Given the current environment, the IWF Executive Board strongly suggests to Mr. Syrtsov and the European Federation to reconsider the appointment to this particular position.” (via)
Currently it also looks like the Russian team is on track to compete at Europeans, as there is still no official word about if or even when the 1 year country bans for multiple doping offenses are handed down.
Recent meetings of Agapitov with Phil Andrews (CEO of USA Weightlifting, via) in Anaheim and Agapitov’s visit to IWF president Tamas Ajan (via) make it seem like we will see team Russia at worlds 2017 in the US, but this is still all just speculation at this point.
