ADVERTISEMENT

Olympics not 'tainted' by Russian doping

Bach said Russia's ban from Olympic participation will automatically be lifted if anti-doping officials do not find any more Russian drug cases at Pyeongchang, where two Russians tested positive.

Russia's national Olympic Committee hailed Sunday's IOC vote and said it expected its suspension to be lifted "within the next few days".

"According to the standing order, it takes 72 hours to implement the test procedure," a statement said.

The Russian men's ice hockey team also sang the Russian national anthem after winning gold on Sunday, contravening guidelines over Russia's participation as neutrals.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Russian question has hung over Pyeongchang. The country was banned for systemic doping but 168 "clean" Russians were allowed to compete -- only for a curler and a bobsledder to fail drugs tests.

But Bach said the IOC had sent a "clear message" on Russia, who competed as "Olympic Athletes from Russia" (OAR) and are unable to fly the national flag at the closing ceremony following Sunday's vote.

"I don't think, quite frankly, that these Olympic Winter Games have been tainted by the Russian affair because we had no Russian team here. This was a clear message," Bach said.

'Not fair for the other guys'

The vote to keep Russia's ban in place for the time being followed a recommendation from the IOC's executive board, which met Saturday and early Sunday to thrash out Russia's fate.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bach said the positive tests from curler Alexander Krushelnitsky, and women's bobsleigh pilot Nadezhda Sergeyeva, were the "key factor" in the decision not to immediately lift the ban.

But he added: "These are cases of negligence. There is no indication whatsoever of systemic or systematic doping here, or of any involvement of the OAR leadership or... the Russian Olympic Committee."

Neither Krushelnitsky or Sergeyeva contested the findings of their doping tests, but both are free to challenge any eventual suspensions from their sports. Both are provisionally suspended.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov, head of the Russian delegation, echoed Bach when he blamed "negligence rather than malicious intent" for the positive tests.

But Francesco Friedrich, a German bobsledder who won his second gold of the Games on Sunday, had little sympathy.

ADVERTISEMENT

"What should I say? I think they have two more positive doping tests. It's their own problem, they don't have to do it," he said, just after the IOC made its announcement.

"It's not fair for all the other guys, we fight for the medals."

Australia's chef de mission Ian Chesterman called the Russian doping conspiracy, which culminated at Sochi 2014, an "absolute disgrace".

"I think it's appropriate that the world remembers for a long time what they did to the Olympic movement," he said.

"I think it's appropriate that even if we forgive them, we should not forget the actions that they did during those Games."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT