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Russia escapes Rio Olympics blanket ban

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Sunday decided not to impose a blanket ban on Russia for the Rio Games over state-run doping. However, it said that each sports federation needed to establish an athlete’s individual eligibility.

The IOC has rejected Yulia Stepanova's request to compete as a neutral athlete.
The IOC has rejected Yulia Stepanova's request to compete as a neutral athlete. REUTERS/Michael Kooren
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Federations “should carry out an individual analysis of each athlete's anti-doping record, taking into account only reliable adequate international tests, and the specificities of the athlete's sport and its rules, in order to ensure a level playing field,” the IOC said in a statement.

The IOC also said that Yuliya Stepanova, the Russian 800-metre runner who lifted the lid on doping fraud and corruption in Russian athletics, will not compete in the Rio Olympics next month.

On Friday, Russian athletics was dealt a heavy blow after the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed their appeal against a ban imposed by the athletics governing body IAAF over state-orchestrated doping.

With this ruling, the Russian track and field team comprising 67 athletes will miss out on Rio Olympics which start on 5 August.

The IAAF welcomed the ruling and stated that it has created a level playing field for athletes.

The IAAF had suspended Russia in November following an inquiry which first mentioned “state-sponsored” doping.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) had called for Russia to be completely banned from the Rio Games.
 

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