IAAF Upholds Ban On Russian Track And Field Athletes For Olympics

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2012 file photo gold-medallist Sergey Kirdyapkin of Russia competes during the men's 50-kilometer race walk competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Track and field's world governing... FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2012 file photo gold-medallist Sergey Kirdyapkin of Russia competes during the men's 50-kilometer race walk competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Track and field's world governing body is meeting Friday, June 17, 2016 to decide whether to allow Russian track and field athletes to compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The IAAF's ruling council convened in Vienna on Friday to consider whether to uphold or lift the suspension of Russia's track and field federation. (AP Photo/Ryan Pierse, Pool, file) MORE LESS

VIENNA (AP) — The Russian Sports Ministry says it is “extremely disappointed” that the IAAF has ruled to uphold its ban on the country’s track and field athletes competing in international competitions, including the Olympics.

The ministry says Russia had done “everything possible” to be readmitted following its ban in November.

The ministry adds “we now appeal to the members of the International Olympic Committee to not only consider the impact that our athletes’ exclusion will have on their dreams and the people of Russia, but also that the Olympics themselves will be diminished by their absence.”

The IOC meets Tuesday and could overrule the IAAF ban by allowing members of the Russian team to compete.

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  1. has Putin declared nuclear war on the IAAF yet? has Donnie Dipshit pledged his support for him?

  2. Look on the bright side, Russia. This ban might save your athletes from future serious health problems!

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