Nadezhda Astapchuk: I was blackmailed by the doping control

There are first versions about how the illegal substance got into the body of the Olympic champion.

In an interview with "Pressball" Nadezhda Astapchuk said she has was promised problems with doping control long ago.

- How often have you tested before the Olympics?

- Beginning from April I was constantly being checked by the Anti-Doping Agency. For example, in May they took the test twice, in June - three times in July - twice. The last time - July 30. All tests were negative.

- It is assumed that the doping was in your body between the last test in Minsk and the first in London...

- It appears so. But can you imagine that?  One should lose mind to eat doping right before the departure to London, knowing that there waits a mandatory drug test. You have to be a foe to yourself.

- But might someone be interested in setting you up?

- The person, you know who I mean, the one who was involved in blackmail, he promised me long ago: you will have problems with doping control. Now I think his threat begins to come true, even though he no longer works with us.

- What are you going to do?

- Me and Aliaxandar Yafimau will try to investigate the case, including with the participation of the investigating authorities. One need to consider all the details, recall all those days between the 30th of July and the 5 of August: what were they, where and with whom we communicated.

- And, by the way, where were you before the depart?

- Prior to August 3 I was at the gathering in Raubichi, and on August 4 we flew with my coach to London ... Anything that will be learned during the investigation will be known to everyone. I have nothing to hide from people. I’ve spent a lot of efforts to become an Olympic champion, I do not need excuses. I do not want to finish career like this.

Before the Olympic Games in London Nadezhda Astapchuk spoke sharply in an interview about the management methods of the former head coach of the national team in athletics Anatoli Badueu, who is under arrest now.

In particular, Astapchuk said: "The former head coach remembered me only to ask to perform at a top tournament. When we with Aliaxandar Yafimau were addressing to him with requests, we heard empty promises in response. Not to mention the dirty tricks, which we had to endure ... What did he do at his position at all? Where have you seen that the head coach was on distributing of t-shirts, shorts and sports nutrition? Is he the only one in the federation who can do this? I think the head coach should work together with personal mentors to build and control the training process and to quickly address emerging issues. Athletes need to know that there are someone to rely on, from whom they can receive support and advice. We want to feel protected instead of waiting for meanness from those who should help us".

Recall that yesterday it became known that the Belarusian athlete was deprived of an Olympic gold medal because of a positive test for doping.