Russian Athletes Ban Is 'unfair', Says Vladimir Putin

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36565863

It looks as if Russia is going to miss on Rio. Rumours have been circulating about Russia's athletes doping for many years. So I personally think that this is a good move.

But Lord Coe has been like the Three Monkeys about this...he didn't see anything, hear anything or know anything apparently.

[ichkeria]

The concession relating to certain individuals is just to get round a legal challenge. There is no realistic prospect of any Russian athlete taking part. None that wants to live, anyway. Well done to the IAAF for standing up not just to Russia but to the IOC
The smelly stuff is about to hit the fan over weightlifting and swimming too
In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the entire Russian Olympic team was banned

[murraymints]

and as for cycling..well according to Lance Armstrong "everyone does it "

[DTCwordfan]

A good decision - those who can produce records that are clean and tabulated outside the Soviet Union should be able to compete...me doubts that there are many.

[ummmm]

If 'everyone' does it doesn't that make it equal again?

[murraymints]

not in the spirit though !

[ummmm]

No, not at all. I don't think I'd feel the same sort of pride if I'd taken drugs.

OH said he was listening to the radio when it was said that the Russians were literally running away from the drug testers.

[murraymints]

in a faster than the speed of light fashion ! lol ^^^

[EDDIE51]

I don't believe there are any 'Clean' athletes from Russia. The state enforces drug taking on its international competitors. Those who refuse to take the drugs as ordered are not allowed to train,compete or travel outside Russia.

[naomi24]

And you know that^ how, Eddie?

[murraymints]

remember Olga Komanenc sp ? fled to USA with these allegations..

[murraymints]

Korbut ^^ I meant

[mushroom25]

willing to bet that Lord Coe and his IAAF buddies will find a way to fudge the issue and allow the chemically enhanced to take pert.......

[murraymints]

the world's eyes are upon them now...

[EDDIE51]

naomi, there are plenty of reports from Athletes who have got out of Russia and 'escaped' to the West. They all have the same story to tell, they are forced to comply with state 'training regimes' and medical treatment. They can not chose their own trainers , coaches or doctors all those are imposed on them by the state .Anyone who refuse to co-operate will never stand a chance to compete in international events and will have their passport confiscated. They are also likely to be arrested and imprisoned as dissidents.

[Cloverjo]

For an example of Russian athletes who don't have to abide by the state doping regime, I'd mention Yelena Isanbyeva, the pole vaulter. She is rich enough to not have to worry about money and doesn't have to do as she is told.
She wants to be an independent at the Rio Olympics.

I am very disappointed by Coe's reaction to the Russian situation. It actually worries me. I hope he wasn't a doper.

[ichkeria]

Isinbayeva's attitude disappoints me. If she is "untainted" by doping, she could actually stand up and condemn the state-sponsored programme which is what has actually ruined the prospects of Russian athletes, and nothing the IAAF or WADA has done. She'd have nothing to lose. But instead she just parrots the same persecution mentality of her government. Which to my mind makes her part of the problem.