Yuliya Stepanova is a former Russian athlete known for her achievements in middle-distance running, particularly in the 800 meters. She gained international attention for her role in exposing widespread doping practices in Russian athletics, which led to significant changes in the sport. In 2015, Stepanova became a whistleblower, providing evidence of systemic doping in Russian sports. Her actions prompted investigations by organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and resulted in sanctions against the Russian Athletics Federation. Stepanova's courage has made her a prominent figure in the fight against doping in sports.