There won’t be any athletes wearing Russian colours in the track and field events at the upcoming Olympics after the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) unanimously decided to ban the Russian athletics team.
The nation’s athletes have been barred from IAAF competition since last November, when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a report stating Russia was running a state-sponsored doping program for its athletes.
The organisation issued an update on the status of drug testing in Russia this week, the second report painting a bleak picture of tampered results, refused tests and missing athletes.
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“Russian athletes could not credibly return to international competition without undermining the confidence of their competitors and the public,” said Lord Coe, president of the IAAF.
“This is a sad day for our sport. There is a humanity here that tells you very simply that this was not an easy decision or lightly taken.”
Unsurprisingly, the decision by the IAAF to uphold the ban has drawn criticism from Russia, with President Vladimir Putin calling it “unjust and unfair.”
“I hope that we find some solution here, but that certainly doesn’t mean we will become insulted and say we won’t fight against doping,” he said. “It’s the other way around, we will strengthen the fight against doping.”
Putin also said he would seek an intervention from WADA and the International Olympic Committee.
Russian dual gold medallist Yelena Isinbayeva has decried the decision as a human rights violation. Speaking after the ban was announced, the pole vaulter said, “Nobody fought for our rights and there are huge concerns over the IAAF itself and its stance on defending the rights of clean athletes.
“We are blamed for something we have not done. I will not remain silent, I will take measures. I will appeal to the human rights court.”
The ban has received praise from other national sporting bodies, with the American track and field team stating it was the only way to ensure a fair competition.
“It is the only proper course of action given the compelling and powerful evidence presented to Council. We do not believe that every Russian athlete cheated, and it is unfortunate and regrettable that some may pay a penalty for the serious transgressions of their federation.”
Despite the ban, there is still a chance for Russian athletes to compete at Rio. If anyone was to prove they are clean, they would be able to participate in the Games as a neutral competitor.
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