The issue has dominated the build-up to the Rio Games in the wake of Professor Richard McLaren’s damning Wada-commissioned report into systemic state-sponsored doping across the majority of Olympic sports.
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“I think you are aware of the many measures we (IOC) have been undertaking”, Bach said addressing a news conference after the 129th International Olympic Committee session here on Thursday, reports Tass.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is still hearing some Russian cases so the number could rise.
And now, with less than two weeks to go before the 2016 Summer Olympics get underway in Rio de Janeiro, the International Olympic Committee has announced Russia’s punishment: an ever-so-gentle slap on the wrist.
A similar rule by the British Olympic Association to ban the nation’s drugs cheats from Olympic participation for life was also rejected by CAS ahead of the 2012 London Games, allowing sprinter Dwain Chambers to race. We say that not so much out of concern for the results of the Games themselves, which are bound to provide the usual portion of thrills, chills – and accusations of various transgressions by participants and officials.
Last month, the International Olympic Committee asked each sport’s governing body to make preliminary decisions they would review.
One of the athletes who could take advantage of the new ruling is whistleblower Yulia Stepanova who, together with her husband, ignited the Russian doping scandal by revealing the extent of the state-backed doping programme. Only one athlete, USA -based long jumper Darya Klishina, was cleared by the IAAF because she had been regularly tested outside Russian Federation.
In Group C, defending champion Mexico drew 2-2 with Germany despite twice having the lead in the northeastern city of Salvador.
This from someone who owns three Grand Slam tennis titles, along with a pair of Olympic medals.
Russian Federation meanwhile became a part of the political and social tensions ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony. AIBA said in a statement. She left without speaking to reporters.
Ill-health may prevent Brazilian football legend Pele from taking part in the ceremony. “He has gone to the doctor to see how things are”, Pele’s spokesman said. Hollande is promoting the Paris bid for the 2024 Olympics.
Since 2006, Quest for Gold has provided Ontario athletes and coaches with approximately $100 million in support.
A second athlete – identified by Irish media as boxer Michael O’Reilly – also faces an early flight home after allegedly failing a drugs test.
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The first real sign of change came at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, where almost 300 women competed in athletics.
