IAAF Allows Russian Athlete to Go to Rio Olympics as Neutral Contender

The International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) cleared Russian long jump athlete Darya Klishina for taking part in international competitions as a neutral contender.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — This decision will allow Klishina to participate in the upcoming Rio Olympics.

“The IAAF Doping Review Board has today agreed that Russian long jump athlete Darya Klishina meets the exceptional eligibility criteria to compete in International Competition as a neutral athlete under Competition Rule 22.1A,” the IAAF said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement reminded that Klishina’s participation as a neutral athlete in international contests is still subject the contest organizers’ approval.

“As soon as the formalities for Ms Klishina’s eligibility under IAAF Rules are confirmed, the IAAF will be writing to notify international events organisers of her eligibility,” the statement added.

The IAAF Doping Review Board received a total of 136 applications from Russian athletes seeking to compete as neutral contenders. Earlier this month, the Review Board declared Russian runner and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) informant Yulia Stepanova eligible to compete in international competitions as a neutral athlete over making  "a truly exceptional contribution to promotion of clean athletes and fair play.”