The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has upheld the ban on Russia's track and field team, meaning it will not compete at this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, according to British media sources.
The decision is set to be officially announced at an IAAF meeting in Vienna later on Friday.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) first made allegations against Russia in November 2015, accusing the country’s athletics and anti-doping bodies of massively breaching anti-doping rules. The IAAF suspended Russia in November over the accusations.
The head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Aleksandr Zhukov, had said on Wednesday that the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) was ready to become a member again as it has met over 40 conditions set forth by the IAAF to be accepted back.
Russian athletes are now left wondering what the decision will mean for their careers.
Triple jump athlete Aleksey Fyodorov, 25, speaking before the decision, said: “I’ve dreamt of the Olympics since childhood, every day. I’m proud of my work, of my dad and trainer. It would be very frustrating to miss my chance because of others.”
Daniil Tsiplakov, 24, a high-jump athlete, has been training for 15 years .... https://www.rt.com
