You're reading: Spiegel: Anti-doping leader says Russia should be banned (Interview)

In an interview with Der Spiegel, American anti-doping leader Travis Tygart argues that Russia should be excluded from international competitions until it cleans up its act. He also calls on the International Olympic Committee to take tougher action against countries that dope.

SPIEGEL: Mr. Tygart, few people know the darker side of sports better than you do. Are you able to derive any pleasure from watching the Olympic Games?

Tygart: Of course, I watched the Rio Games on TV, with my children. It was fantastic. The Olympics unite the world and inspire us to be a better version of ourselves. The competitions motivate the spectators, and the athletes’ message is: You should have more confidence in your ability to achieve things, you should dream more.

Read the full interview here.