A Russian whistleblower who made allegations of systematic doping in Russian sports said on Friday he had no regrets over his disclosures, although he had to leave the country.
"I feel we did the right thing, and I hope we have contributed to a cleaner sport," Vitaly Stepanov, a former member of the Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA, was quoted as telling Norwegian daily VG.
Stepanov and his wife, middle-distance runner Yuliya Stepanova, made allegations of systematic doping in Russian sports in a documentary German network ARD broadcast in December 2014 which led to the suspension of Russian athletics and RUSADA.
Later on Friday, the world athletics governing body (IAAF) was due to meet in Vienna to decide whether to lift a ban it imposed last November, or if Russia's track and field athletes will remain banned during August's Rio Olympic Games.
"I hope the corrupt system in Russia falls," Stepanov added. "If Russia starts to compete cleanly, that will influence young athletes all over the world. They will have greater chances of winning medals."
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Asked what was needed to salvage Russian athletics, he said: "Acknowledge how big the problem is.
"Then you have to suspend over 100 coaches," he added. "They have to sack people at the ministry of sports who took part in covering up positive (doping) tests. Then you have to start afresh."
After providing the information to ARD, Stepanov, his wife and their young son left Russia. They have since moved eight times. VG said it was asked not to disclose where they currently lived.
Stepanova has served a two-year ban over substance abuse.
Stepanov said the couple had been helped by "individuals who believe us. They help us find somewhere to live and that we have food on the table".
