Russian Olympic Committee to Challenge IAAF's Ban of Russian Athletes

© AFP 2023 / J. P. Engelbrecht2016 Rio Olympic Games logo. File photo
2016 Rio Olympic Games logo. File photo - Sputnik International
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The All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) and athletes not implicated in doping will challenge their suspension by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) with the sports judicial body, Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) President Alexander Zhukov said Tuesday.

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MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Zhukov stressed that the ROC would join the ARAF in contesting the IAAF’s decision to "prevent discrimination against the rights of Russian athletes and the violation of the Olympic Charter."

"Russian athletes who have never violated anti-doping rules, as well as the ARAF, will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to protect the interests and rights of all athletes who have proven their cleanness and innocence in the use of banned substances and methods," Zhukov said in a letter to the International Olympic Committee published by R-Sport.

"We hope that the Court of Arbitration for Sport will adopt an objective, fair and lawful decision, in spite of the position already voiced by its president," the ROC chief added.

Russian athletes believe their ban from the 2016 Olympics in Rio is an advanced form of injustice and humiliation, Zhukov stated.

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"Do you really think it's fair to deny Yelena Isinbaeva and Sergey Shubenkov taking part in the Olympics, where Tyson Gay and twice suspended Justin Gatlin are set to compete? According to Russian athletes, this is the most advanced degree of injustice and humiliation," Alexander Zhukov said in an open letter addressed to International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach.

Banning "clean" athletes from taking part in the Olympics devalues the success of their rivals who are allowed to participate, Zhukov said.

"Banning 'clean' athletes from the Rio Olympics contradicts the values of the Olympic movement and breaches the principles of the Olympic Charter," Alexander Zhukov said in an open letter addressed to International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach.

The ban is also "legally groundless and devalues the success of the competitors," the letter reads.

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