USADA Wants Stepanova in But Other Russian Athletes Out of Rio

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has been infuriated by the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision not to bar Russian athletes from the upcoming Rio Games, but to ban WADA's informant Yuliya Stepanova from participating due to her doping history.

"The decision to refuse [Stepanova] entry in to the Games is incomprehensible and contrary to CAS [the Court of Arbitration for Sport] precedent. The attempt to enforce it will undoubtedly deter whistleblowers in the future from coming forward," USADA's CEO Travis T. Tygart said in a statement.

Full statement from USADA, CEO, Travis T. Tygart on today's IOC decision: pic.twitter.com/ANvBWOoyPP

— USADA (@usantidoping) 24 июля 2016 г.

​Stepanova wanted to compete as a "neutral athlete," but the IOC rejected her request on ethical grounds.

"The sanction to which [Stepanova] was subject and the circumstances in which she denounced the doping practices which she had used herself, do not satisfy the ethical requirements for an athlete to enter the Olympic Games," the IOC Ethics Commission said.

In a ruling, released on Sunday, the IOC refused to issue a blanket ban to the Russian team, leaving it to the respective international federations to decide whether individual Russian athletes will be participating in the Games.

In addition, those Russian athletes who have a doping record, like Stepanova, have not been allowed to participate. This particular clause has left many wondering why athletes from other countries, who have been found guilty of doping, have not been banned.

"So if you're Russian and served a drug ban you aren't allowed, but the US can send previously banned athletes. What?" American long-distance runner Kara Goucher tweeted.

So if you're Russian and served a drug ban you aren't allowed, but the US can send previously banned athletes. What? https://t.co/2oJiB4K9w3

— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) 24 июля 2016 г.

​"How can the IOC ban Russian athletes who have already served Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRV) bans but allow athletes from other nations who have already served ADRV bans?" Richard Ings asked.

How can IOC ban RUS athletes who have already served ADRV bans but allow athletes from other nations who have already served ADRV bans?

— Richard Ings (@ringsau) 24 июля 2016 г.

​Another Twitter user, Chris Sinclair, wondered why the IOC did not ban any athletes who have doping records from taking part in the Rio Games.

@iocmedia @danroan Is this true for every other nation? If not, then why not? pic.twitter.com/HHeWbZs3Pn

— Chris Sinclair (@chris400m) 24 июля 2016 г.