Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin.

Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-accuses-iaaf-of-using-her-as-a-human-guinea-pig-228483&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0eC0_r3jAhVM8HMBHcBfC-4QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0wSgXkncfrDpIVYWMvED9f">IAAF </a>Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you, IAAF for this incredible honour."

IAAF CEO Jon Ridgeon in a letter congratulated the athlete on her nomination.

"We are delighted that you have been nominated by your Area Association as a recipient of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/iaaf-maintains-ban-on-russian-athletics-over-doping-scandal-202632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0eC0_r3jAhVM8HMBHcBfC-4QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hak-x-5O8qOz6NMioLVSZ">IAAF </a>Veteran Pin for your long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics," the letter said.

Ridgeon invited Usha to attend the award ceremony which will take place on the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress on September 24 in Doha.

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IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! 
Thank you IAAF for this incredible honour 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/QDILgouvgL">pic.twitter.com/QDILgouvgL</a>
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"It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the award ceremony which will take place during the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on the evening of September 24," the letter added.

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin. Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics!

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin. Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you, IAAF for this incredible honour." IAAF CEO Jon Ridgeon in a letter congratulated the athlete on her nomination. "We are delighted that you have been nominated by your Area Association as a recipient of the IAAF Veteran Pin for your long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics," the letter said. Ridgeon invited Usha to attend the award ceremony which will take place on the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress on September 24 in Doha. IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you IAAF for this incredible honour 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QDILgouvgL — P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) July 18, 2019 × "It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the award ceremony which will take place during the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on the evening of September 24," the letter added.

Former Olympian P T Usha nominated for IAAF Veteran Pin

Olympic champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caster+Semenya">Caster Semenya</a> said on Sunday she would not defend her world title in Doha next September if she could not run in the 800 metres because of new testosterone regulations imposed by the sport's governing body.

"If I am not running 800 metres, I'm not running in the world championships," the 28-year-old South African said after winning her favourite event in one minute, 55.70 at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting.

"No 1,500 (metres), nothing. I am just going to take a vacation, and then come (back to competing) next year."

But Semenya, who is challenging International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) testosterone rules that could affect her career, is looking towards the next three Olympics.

"I expect to be in Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles," she said

The South African repeated that she would not take medication to satisfy the IAAF regulations, which are currently on hold for her after a court ruling.

Under the rules, XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs), like Semenya, must take medication to lower their natural testosterone levels if they are to compete at distances from 400m to a mile.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin and the IAAF said its own research showed it gave a significant endurance advantage to athletes in the 400 metres to mile range.

Semenya has refused to take the medication, saying: "I am a woman and I am a world-class athlete. The IAAF will not drug me or stop me from being who I am.”

But the South African said that even if she eventually lost her case, she planned to continue competing.

"There are a lot of races that I can do, there are a lot of stuff that I can do," she said.

"I am a talented athlete. I can play football (soccer), I can play basketball, I can do anything, I can run 100, I can run 200, I can run the steeple(chase), I can do anything I want."

But the first objective is to win her case against the IAAF regulations.

"This is like a legal battle," Semenya said. "It's like war. You don't give up. You beat me today, I beat you tomorrow.

"But I am not doing this for me. I am a world champion, I have achieved everything I ever wanted.

"At the end of the day I am doing this for those who can't fight for themselves."

Easy Win

Semenya charged ahead about 600 metres into Sunday's race and won by almost 15 metres over American record holder Ajee Wilson to claim her 31st consecutive final in the event. She last lost an 800 metres final in Berlin on Sept. 6, 2015.

The race was the fastest ever run in the United States, but the three-time world champion said she felt sluggish.

"I (would be) still sleeping at home," she said, noting it was about midnight in South Africa.

The competition was Semenya's first since the Swiss Federal Tribunal said she did not have to adhere to the IAAF regulations until her appeal against a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling in favour of the new rules is decided.

The IAAF has said the regulations are necessary to preserve the integrity of female athletics in the restricted events.

Earlier, Kenya's world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech cruised to the fifth fastest time in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase, 8:55.58.

American Rai Benjamin showed he was ready to challenge for his first world 400 metre hurdles title when he ran 47.16 seconds - the ninth fastest of all time.

Christian Coleman also produced a 2019-leading time, winning the 100 metres in 9.81 seconds, as 37-year-old world champion Justin Gatlin showed he will again be a factor in Doha after taking second in 9.87.

Kenyan Tim Cheruiyot added the year's fastest mile, 3:50.49. Michael Norman won the 400 metres in 44.62 and Swedish teenager Mondo Duplantis topped world champion Sam Kendricks in the pole vault, clearing 5.93 metres.

Olympic champion Caster Semenya said on Sunday she would not defend her world title in Doha next September if she could not run in the 800 metres because of new testosterone regulations imposed by the sport's governing body.

Olympic champion Caster Semenya said on Sunday she would not defend her world title in Doha next September if she could not run in the 800 metres because of new testosterone regulations imposed by the sport's governing body. "If I am not running 800 metres, I'm not running in the world championships," the 28-year-old South African said after winning her favourite event in one minute, 55.70 at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting. "No 1,500 (metres), nothing. I am just going to take a vacation, and then come (back to competing) next year." But Semenya, who is challenging International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) testosterone rules that could affect her career, is looking towards the next three Olympics. "I expect to be in Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles," she said The South African repeated that she would not take medication to satisfy the IAAF regulations, which are currently on hold for her after a court ruling. Under the rules, XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs), like Semenya, must take medication to lower their natural testosterone levels if they are to compete at distances from 400m to a mile. Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin and the IAAF said its own research showed it gave a significant endurance advantage to athletes in the 400 metres to mile range. Semenya has refused to take the medication, saying: "I am a woman and I am a world-class athlete. The IAAF will not drug me or stop me from being who I am.” But the South African said that even if she eventually lost her case, she planned to continue competing. "There are a lot of races that I can do, there are a lot of stuff that I can do," she said. "I am a talented athlete. I can play football (soccer), I can play basketball, I can do anything, I can run 100, I can run 200, I can run the steeple(chase), I can do anything I want." But the first objective is to win her case against the IAAF regulations. "This is like a legal battle," Semenya said. "It's like war. You don't give up. You beat me today, I beat you tomorrow. "But I am not doing this for me. I am a world champion, I have achieved everything I ever wanted. "At the end of the day I am doing this for those who can't fight for themselves." Easy Win Semenya charged ahead about 600 metres into Sunday's race and won by almost 15 metres over American record holder Ajee Wilson to claim her 31st consecutive final in the event. She last lost an 800 metres final in Berlin on Sept. 6, 2015. The race was the fastest ever run in the United States, but the three-time world champion said she felt sluggish. "I (would be) still sleeping at home," she said, noting it was about midnight in South Africa. The competition was Semenya's first since the Swiss Federal Tribunal said she did not have to adhere to the IAAF regulations until her appeal against a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling in favour of the new rules is decided. The IAAF has said the regulations are necessary to preserve the integrity of female athletics in the restricted events. Earlier, Kenya's world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech cruised to the fifth fastest time in the women's 3,000 metres steeplechase, 8:55.58. American Rai Benjamin showed he was ready to challenge for his first world 400 metre hurdles title when he ran 47.16 seconds - the ninth fastest of all time. Christian Coleman also produced a 2019-leading time, winning the 100 metres in 9.81 seconds, as 37-year-old world champion Justin Gatlin showed he will again be a factor in Doha after taking second in 9.87. Kenyan Tim Cheruiyot added the year's fastest mile, 3:50.49. Michael Norman won the 400 metres in 44.62 and Swedish teenager Mondo Duplantis topped world champion Sam Kendricks in the pole vault, clearing 5.93 metres.

Caster Semenya vows no world championships if she can't run 800m

Olympic 800 metres champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caster+Semenya">Caster Semenya</a> has accused the global athletics governing body of using her as a human guinea pig as it emerged that the IAAF had sought to have her declared a "biological male" in proceedings before sport's highest court.

The South African was reacting to the full 163-page judgement released by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday which rejected her appeal against rules that mean middle distance female athletes with a high natural level of testosterone must take medication to reduce it.

Testosterone increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affects endurance. Some competitors have said women with higher levels of the hormone have an unfair advantage.

Last month, CAS upheld the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) eligibility regulations for XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs) competing in events ranging from 400 metres to a mile.

The IAAF stated before the five-day hearing earlier this year that DSD athletes such as Semenya should not be classified as "biological males" but, according to the full CAS judgement, it suggested the opposite in court proceedings.

"Despite the CAS’s clear statements about Caster Semenya’s gender, the IAAF has taken it upon itself to decide who is, and who is not, woman enough in the eyes of the IAAF, and to discriminate on that basis," Semenya’s lawyers said in a statement on Tuesday.

"While the IAAF publicly claims that it is not engaged in sex testing, the CAS Award makes it clear that the IAAF is doing exactly that.

"The IAAF’s regulations are the most recent in a long chain of sex-testing rules that have plagued women’s sport for decades and caused profound harm to women athletes."

Oral Contraceptives

Semenya has hit out at the use of oral contraceptives as one of the methods suggested by the IAAF to lower testosterone levels in DSD athletes, saying her previous forced stint on the medication earlier in her career had been debilitating and the long-term side-effects remain unknown.

"The IAAF used me in the past as a human guinea pig to experiment with how the medication they required me to take would affect my testosterone levels," Semenya said.

"Even though the hormonal drugs made me feel constantly sick, the IAAF now wants to enforce even stricter thresholds with unknown health consequences. I will not allow the IAAF to use me and my body again.

"But I am concerned that other female athletes will feel compelled to let the IAAF drug them and test the effectiveness and negative health effects of different hormonal drugs. This cannot be allowed to happen."

Semenya and Athletics South Africa are currently challenging the CAS ruling in the Swiss Federal Tribunal, with their submissions and those of the IAAF to be made by June 25.

Until then she is free to run in all events without taking medication.

Semenya's agent said on Tuesday that she would be competing in an 800 metres race at the Prefontaine Classic on June 30.

IAAF response

The IAAF issued a statement on Tuesday saying that the CAS judgement backed its implementation of the eligibility regulations in order to preserve the future of female athletics.

"Sport is one of only a few, narrow sectors of society in which biology has to trump gender identity to ensure fairness," the statement said.

"To define the female category based on something other than biology would be category defeating and would deter many girls around the world from choosing competitive and elite sport after puberty.

"The IAAF considers that the DSD Regulations are a necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of protecting fair and meaningful competition in elite female athletics, and the CAS agreed."

Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya has accused the global athletics governing body of using her as a human guinea pig as it emerged that the IAAF had sought to have her declared a "biological male" in proceedings before sport's highest court.

Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya has accused the global athletics governing body of using her as a human guinea pig as it emerged that the IAAF had sought to have her declared a "biological male" in proceedings before sport's highest court. The South African was reacting to the full 163-page judgement released by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday which rejected her appeal against rules that mean middle distance female athletes with a high natural level of testosterone must take medication to reduce it. Testosterone increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affects endurance. Some competitors have said women with higher levels of the hormone have an unfair advantage. Last month, CAS upheld the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) eligibility regulations for XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs) competing in events ranging from 400 metres to a mile. The IAAF stated before the five-day hearing earlier this year that DSD athletes such as Semenya should not be classified as "biological males" but, according to the full CAS judgement, it suggested the opposite in court proceedings. "Despite the CAS’s clear statements about Caster Semenya’s gender, the IAAF has taken it upon itself to decide who is, and who is not, woman enough in the eyes of the IAAF, and to discriminate on that basis," Semenya’s lawyers said in a statement on Tuesday. "While the IAAF publicly claims that it is not engaged in sex testing, the CAS Award makes it clear that the IAAF is doing exactly that. "The IAAF’s regulations are the most recent in a long chain of sex-testing rules that have plagued women’s sport for decades and caused profound harm to women athletes." Oral Contraceptives Semenya has hit out at the use of oral contraceptives as one of the methods suggested by the IAAF to lower testosterone levels in DSD athletes, saying her previous forced stint on the medication earlier in her career had been debilitating and the long-term side-effects remain unknown. "The IAAF used me in the past as a human guinea pig to experiment with how the medication they required me to take would affect my testosterone levels," Semenya said. "Even though the hormonal drugs made me feel constantly sick, the IAAF now wants to enforce even stricter thresholds with unknown health consequences. I will not allow the IAAF to use me and my body again. "But I am concerned that other female athletes will feel compelled to let the IAAF drug them and test the effectiveness and negative health effects of different hormonal drugs. This cannot be allowed to happen." Semenya and Athletics South Africa are currently challenging the CAS ruling in the Swiss Federal Tribunal, with their submissions and those of the IAAF to be made by June 25. Until then she is free to run in all events without taking medication. Semenya's agent said on Tuesday that she would be competing in an 800 metres race at the Prefontaine Classic on June 30. IAAF response The IAAF issued a statement on Tuesday saying that the CAS judgement backed its implementation of the eligibility regulations in order to preserve the future of female athletics. "Sport is one of only a few, narrow sectors of society in which biology has to trump gender identity to ensure fairness," the statement said. "To define the female category based on something other than biology would be category defeating and would deter many girls around the world from choosing competitive and elite sport after puberty. "The IAAF considers that the DSD Regulations are a necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of protecting fair and meaningful competition in elite female athletics, and the CAS agreed."

Caster Semenya accuses IAAF of using her as a 'human guinea pig'

Double Olympic champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caster+Semenya">Caster Semenya</a> will be able to run in her favoured 800 metres event without medication to lower her testosterone levels until an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal has been ruled on, her lawyers said on Monday.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had ruled the International Association of Athletics Federations regulations were necessary for XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs) competing in events ranging from 400 metres to a mile.

The CAS verdict, challenged by South African Semenya, was highly controversial, with many high-profile current and former athletes lining up on both sides of the debate.

"The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has ordered the IAAF to immediately suspend the implementation of the eligibility regulations against Caster Semenya, allowing her to compete without restriction in the female category while her

appeal is pending," a statement from Semenya’s lawyers said.

No time frame has been given for when a final ruling might be made, but the IAAF will make further submissions to the court, the statement said.

"The Swiss Supreme Court has granted welcome temporary protection to Caster Semenya. This is an important case that will have fundamental implications for the human rights of female athletes," added Dorothee Schramm of Sidley Austin LLP, Swiss counsel for Semenya.

The IAAF said it had not yet been notified of the suspension.

"We have received no information from the Swiss Federal Court so we cannot comment at this stage," an IAAF spokesperson said.

Speaking through her lawyers, Semenya said she remains hopeful of her appeal being successful.

"I am thankful to the Swiss judges for this decision. I hope that following my appeal I will once again be able to run free,” she said.

The IAAF did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Semenya won her last competitive 800 metres race at the Doha Diamond League on May 3, and could potentially race again in Oslo on June 13.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin and the IAAF said its own research showed it gave a significant endurance advantage to athletes in the 400 metres-mile range.

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya will be able to run in her favoured 800 metres event without medication to lower her testosterone levels until an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal has been ruled on, her lawyers said on Monday.

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya will be able to run in her favoured 800 metres event without medication to lower her testosterone levels until an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal has been ruled on, her lawyers said on Monday. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had ruled the International Association of Athletics Federations regulations were necessary for XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs) competing in events ranging from 400 metres to a mile. The CAS verdict, challenged by South African Semenya, was highly controversial, with many high-profile current and former athletes lining up on both sides of the debate. "The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has ordered the IAAF to immediately suspend the implementation of the eligibility regulations against Caster Semenya, allowing her to compete without restriction in the female category while her appeal is pending," a statement from Semenya’s lawyers said. No time frame has been given for when a final ruling might be made, but the IAAF will make further submissions to the court, the statement said. "The Swiss Supreme Court has granted welcome temporary protection to Caster Semenya. This is an important case that will have fundamental implications for the human rights of female athletes," added Dorothee Schramm of Sidley Austin LLP, Swiss counsel for Semenya. The IAAF said it had not yet been notified of the suspension. "We have received no information from the Swiss Federal Court so we cannot comment at this stage," an IAAF spokesperson said. Speaking through her lawyers, Semenya said she remains hopeful of her appeal being successful. "I am thankful to the Swiss judges for this decision. I hope that following my appeal I will once again be able to run free,” she said. The IAAF did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Semenya won her last competitive 800 metres race at the Doha Diamond League on May 3, and could potentially race again in Oslo on June 13. Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin and the IAAF said its own research showed it gave a significant endurance advantage to athletes in the 400 metres-mile range.

Caster Semenya free to run without medication while appeal is heard: Court

The South African government said on Monday it was "instructing" the country's athletics governing body to appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision on female eligibility that directly affects their Olympic champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caster+Semenya">Caster Semenya</a>.

Yet Athletics South Africa (ASA) maintained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trampling-on-rights-and-dignity-south-africans-livid-at-caster-semenya-decision-215211">silence on the matter</a> with sources telling Reuters they were still considering their options and would not be issuing any statement until ready.

Any appeal would have to be made by the end of the month to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

Sport minister Tokozile Xasa, who has no direct authority over ASA, said in a statement she was making the instruction after receiving advice from a high-level panel.

The panel had met to discuss the way forward after CAS ruled that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) could go ahead with its regulations on female runners with differences of sex development (DSD).

Athletes like the double Olympic 800m champion Semenya with male XY chromosomes must now take medication to lower naturally occurring high levels of testosterone before being allowed to compete in women's races from 400m to a mile.

Xasa's claim followed a similar call from South Africa's Olympic chiefs last week and she went a step further by confidently predicting ASA would appeal and then summarising three grounds for that appeal in her statement.

"ASA applied for recusal of two of the arbitrators who it felt were conflicted since they have handled the earlier case of the Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, as Caster was also going to be an affected athlete," the statement said.

"The strength of scientific, medical and legal case we presented, we believe, the outcome is inconceivable on the facts. The facts before (the) court and the outcome do not match.

"The pertinent legal questions that the court should have addressed we (believe were) not addressed. The court simply gave the unfettered latitude to the IAAF to do as it pleases.

"For instance, it has not been answered as to how the IAAF will implement the regulations and how ethical issues will be addressed."

The South African government said on Monday it was "instructing" the country's athletics governing body to appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision on female eligibility that directly affects their Olympic champion Caster Semenya.

The South African government said on Monday it was "instructing" the country's athletics governing body to appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision on female eligibility that directly affects their Olympic champion Caster Semenya. Yet Athletics South Africa (ASA) maintained silence on the matter with sources telling Reuters they were still considering their options and would not be issuing any statement until ready. Any appeal would have to be made by the end of the month to the Swiss Federal Tribunal. Sport minister Tokozile Xasa, who has no direct authority over ASA, said in a statement she was making the instruction after receiving advice from a high-level panel. The panel had met to discuss the way forward after CAS ruled that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) could go ahead with its regulations on female runners with differences of sex development (DSD). Athletes like the double Olympic 800m champion Semenya with male XY chromosomes must now take medication to lower naturally occurring high levels of testosterone before being allowed to compete in women's races from 400m to a mile. Xasa's claim followed a similar call from South Africa's Olympic chiefs last week and she went a step further by confidently predicting ASA would appeal and then summarising three grounds for that appeal in her statement. "ASA applied for recusal of two of the arbitrators who it felt were conflicted since they have handled the earlier case of the Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, as Caster was also going to be an affected athlete," the statement said. "The strength of scientific, medical and legal case we presented, we believe, the outcome is inconceivable on the facts. The facts before (the) court and the outcome do not match. "The pertinent legal questions that the court should have addressed we (believe were) not addressed. The court simply gave the unfettered latitude to the IAAF to do as it pleases. "For instance, it has not been answered as to how the IAAF will implement the regulations and how ethical issues will be addressed."

South African government instructs athletics body to appeal Caster Semenya decision

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenyas-future-in-doubt-after-she-says-no-to-medication-to-lower-testosterone-215858"> South African runner Caster Semenya</a> "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications.

Two-time Olympic champion Semenya last week lost a court challenge against the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) over plans to force some women to regulate their testosterone levels.

The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means female athletes with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-wins-800-metres-two-days-after-losing-appeal-against-new-rules-215759"> elevated testosterone will have</a> to take suppressive treatment if they wish to compete as women in certain events.

The IAAF argued that "hyperandrogenic" athletes - or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) - had an unfair advantage over others.

Bach said in Brisbane that the IOC would create a group of "experts from science, from ethics as well as athletes' representatives and from international federations" to examine the ruling.

It will include IOC medical director Richard Budgett and an IAAF official who will "study this extremely complicated and delicate problem".

"This is a case that should be taken up with the international federations, it's their rules that are involved, their technical regulations," he said, adding that he had "no idea" when the group would reach any conclusions.

The World Medical Association has urged doctors not to enforce the controversial new rules for classifying female athletes, warning that attempts to do so would breach ethics codes.

The DSD rules - first adopted last year but suspended pending the legal battle - are due to come into effect on May 8. Semenya is mulling an appeal.

Bach is in Brisbane to meet Queensland state officials who are considering a bid for the city to host the 2032 Olympics, before heading to the nearby Gold Coast for a summit of sports federations.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of South African runner Caster Semenya "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach on Monday called the controversial gender case of South African runner Caster Semenya "extremely complicated and delicate" and said an expert panel will study its implications. Two-time Olympic champion Semenya last week lost a court challenge against the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) over plans to force some women to regulate their testosterone levels. The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means female athletes with elevated testosterone will have to take suppressive treatment if they wish to compete as women in certain events. The IAAF argued that "hyperandrogenic" athletes - or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) - had an unfair advantage over others. Bach said in Brisbane that the IOC would create a group of "experts from science, from ethics as well as athletes' representatives and from international federations" to examine the ruling. It will include IOC medical director Richard Budgett and an IAAF official who will "study this extremely complicated and delicate problem". "This is a case that should be taken up with the international federations, it's their rules that are involved, their technical regulations," he said, adding that he had "no idea" when the group would reach any conclusions. The World Medical Association has urged doctors not to enforce the controversial new rules for classifying female athletes, warning that attempts to do so would breach ethics codes. The DSD rules - first adopted last year but suspended pending the legal battle - are due to come into effect on May 8. Semenya is mulling an appeal. Bach is in Brisbane to meet Queensland state officials who are considering a bid for the city to host the 2032 Olympics, before heading to the nearby Gold Coast for a summit of sports federations.

South African runner Caster Semenya's case extremely complicated, panel to study implications: IOC

What effects will IAAF's controversial rule regulating testosterone levels for women athletes have?

South African fans of Olympian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cas-dismisses-caster-semenya-appeal-over-iaaf-testosterone-regulations-215042">Caster Semenya Wednesday expressed shock and disappointment</a> after their star athlete lost a bid to challenge IAAF rules forcing female athletes to regulate their testosterone levels.&nbsp;

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the IAAF regulations which require women like Semenya, with higher than average natural female testosterone levels, to take medically-prescribed drugs to lower their testosterone levels or be kicked out of competitions.&nbsp;

"We are bitterly disappointed," said Bathabile Dlamini, the minister for women.&nbsp;

"This is a disappointing judgement, it actually removes Caster Semenya's agency as person, as an athlete, as a person who trains hard," Dlamini said.&nbsp;

"As the department of women we are particularly angered (that) we are expected to conform to western notions ...for our athletes to compete".&nbsp;

She said Semenya was being targeted because "she is so successful through&nbsp;her hard training and her dedication".

"It's a violation of her rights as a woman, the violation of her rights as human being".

'Beyond outrageous'

Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa said the "regulations trample on the human rights and dignity" of the 28-year-old who was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2019.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) said it was "deeply disappointed and profoundly shocked" that the Court had ruled in favour of the new regulations, and that it would consider appealing the "disgraceful" decision.

"We are ... reeling in shock at how a body held in high esteem like CAS can endorse discrimination without flinching.

"South Africa knows discrimination better and CAS has seen it fit to open the wounds of apartheid, a system of discrimination condemned by the whole world as a crime against humanity," said ASA in a statement.&nbsp;

'Reeling in shock'

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) said it was "appalled" by the court decision.

"It is rather disheartening to learn that the Court has ruled against Caster Semenya in her fight to be treated equally and without prejudice," it said in a statement.

It accused the IAAF of "acting in a prejudicial manner that divides rather than unites athletes."&nbsp;

"Shocked" by the decision, the main opposition Democratic Alliance party called on the government and sporting federations to "use all available processes to oppose this decision and fight for her right to compete on the international stage without having to take any drugs to suppress what she was naturally born to do".

Semenya, who has dominated the 800m over the last decade and had remained largely silent through the court battle, on Wednesday vowed in a statement that the court decision "will not hold me back".&nbsp;

She said she knew "that the IAAF’s regulations have always targeted me specifically. For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger".&nbsp;

"I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world." &nbsp;

On social media her fans were furious.&nbsp;

From Cape Town, one tweeted that the decision was "beyond outrageous" adding "I thought sport was about not putting hormones in your body".&nbsp;

A Pretoria-based fan wrote the CAS decision smacked "of racism, sexism and bigotry rolled into one".&nbsp;

South African fans of Olympian Caster Semenya Wednesday expressed shock and disappointment after their star athlete lost a bid to challenge IAAF rules forcing female athletes to regulate their testosterone levels.

South African fans of Olympian Caster Semenya Wednesday expressed shock and disappointment after their star athlete lost a bid to challenge IAAF rules forcing female athletes to regulate their testosterone levels. In a landmark ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the IAAF regulations which require women like Semenya, with higher than average natural female testosterone levels, to take medically-prescribed drugs to lower their testosterone levels or be kicked out of competitions. "We are bitterly disappointed," said Bathabile Dlamini, the minister for women. "This is a disappointing judgement, it actually removes Caster Semenya's agency as person, as an athlete, as a person who trains hard," Dlamini said. "As the department of women we are particularly angered (that) we are expected to conform to western notions ...for our athletes to compete". She said Semenya was being targeted because "she is so successful through her hard training and her dedication". "It's a violation of her rights as a woman, the violation of her rights as human being". 'Beyond outrageous' Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa said the "regulations trample on the human rights and dignity" of the 28-year-old who was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2019. Athletics South Africa (ASA) said it was "deeply disappointed and profoundly shocked" that the Court had ruled in favour of the new regulations, and that it would consider appealing the "disgraceful" decision. "We are ... reeling in shock at how a body held in high esteem like CAS can endorse discrimination without flinching. "South Africa knows discrimination better and CAS has seen it fit to open the wounds of apartheid, a system of discrimination condemned by the whole world as a crime against humanity," said ASA in a statement. 'Reeling in shock' The ruling African National Congress (ANC) said it was "appalled" by the court decision. "It is rather disheartening to learn that the Court has ruled against Caster Semenya in her fight to be treated equally and without prejudice," it said in a statement. It accused the IAAF of "acting in a prejudicial manner that divides rather than unites athletes." "Shocked" by the decision, the main opposition Democratic Alliance party called on the government and sporting federations to "use all available processes to oppose this decision and fight for her right to compete on the international stage without having to take any drugs to suppress what she was naturally born to do". Semenya, who has dominated the 800m over the last decade and had remained largely silent through the court battle, on Wednesday vowed in a statement that the court decision "will not hold me back". She said she knew "that the IAAF’s regulations have always targeted me specifically. For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger". "I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world." On social media her fans were furious. From Cape Town, one tweeted that the decision was "beyond outrageous" adding "I thought sport was about not putting hormones in your body". A Pretoria-based fan wrote the CAS decision smacked "of racism, sexism and bigotry rolled into one".

'Trampling on rights and dignity': South Africans livid at Caster Semenya decision

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya will run her last 800-metres on Friday before the International Association of Athletics Federations imposes hugely <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cas-dismisses-caster-semenya-appeal-over-iaaf-testosterone-regulations-215042">controversial new rules limiting testosterone in female athletes</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trampling-on-rights-and-dignity-south-africans-livid-at-caster-semenya-decision-215211">Semenya, who has spent years trying to get the new IAAF regulations thrown out</a>, will compete at the Diamond League meeting in Doha against 2016 Olympic silver medallist Francine Niyonsaba - who recently revealed she had similar difference in sexual development (DSD) characteristics to the South African.

Both must then begin taking medication to lower their testosterone levels if they wish to compete over that distance based on the new rules, which the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Wednesday were necessary to ensure fair competition.

IAAF president Sebastian Coe, speaking in Doha on Thursday, said he was grateful to CAS for the verdict.

"It is very straightforward for any association in sport," Coe told a media briefing.

"Athletics has two classifications - it has age and it has gender. We are fiercely protective of both. We are really grateful that CAS has upheld that principle."

Coe refused to take more questions, but the case is likely to have far-reaching consequences for women's sport, and has split opinion around the globe.

Athletics South Africa likened the new IAAF regulations to apartheid, and both it and Semenya's lawyers have said they could contest the CAS ruling dismissing her appeal against their introduction.

Under the rules to take effect on May 8, female athletes with high natural levels of testosterone wishing to compete in events from 400-metres to a mile must medically limit that level to under 5 nmol/L, which is double the normal female range of below 2 nmol/L.

Testosterone increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affects endurance. Some competitors have said women with higher levels of the hormone have an unfair advantage.

Barring further legal action, Semenya finds herself at a crossroads: Either she submits to the regulations or looks to compete in longer distances.

She claimed the 5,000-metres title at the South African Athletics Championships last week, an event not covered by the IAAF regulations, but in a modest time of 16:05.97, well below the qualifying standard for the world championships of 15:22.00.

This potential lifeline means Semenya may not abandon the 800-metres yet, though any advance to the Swiss Federal Tribunal could take months to reach a verdict and leave her career in limbo.

Former sprinter Michael Johnson, who won four Olympic gold medals between 1992 and 2000, believes the regulations are right for women's athletics.

"It was always going to be a difficult situation because through no fault of her own she just happens to have this condition," Johnson told Reuters.

"The IAAF has to make a decision on the line that's drawn between the female races and the men's races. I think the decision was based on the fairness of sports, so that there is a level playing field for all of the athletes in any given race."

Semenya, 28, has vowed to fight on, whichever distance she races in.

"I know that the IAAF's regulations have always targeted me specifically," she said in a statement released via her lawyers on Wednesday.

"For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger. The decision of the CAS will not hold me back. I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world."

Her personal best of 1:54.25 in the 800-metres will make her the quickest in the field in Doha’s Diamond League meet, the first time she will compete over the distance in 2019.

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya will run her last 800-metres on Friday before the International Association of Athletics Federations imposes hugely controversial new rules limiting testosterone in female athletes.

Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya will run her last 800-metres on Friday before the International Association of Athletics Federations imposes hugely controversial new rules limiting testosterone in female athletes. Semenya, who has spent years trying to get the new IAAF regulations thrown out, will compete at the Diamond League meeting in Doha against 2016 Olympic silver medallist Francine Niyonsaba - who recently revealed she had similar difference in sexual development (DSD) characteristics to the South African. Both must then begin taking medication to lower their testosterone levels if they wish to compete over that distance based on the new rules, which the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Wednesday were necessary to ensure fair competition. IAAF president Sebastian Coe, speaking in Doha on Thursday, said he was grateful to CAS for the verdict. "It is very straightforward for any association in sport," Coe told a media briefing. "Athletics has two classifications - it has age and it has gender. We are fiercely protective of both. We are really grateful that CAS has upheld that principle." Coe refused to take more questions, but the case is likely to have far-reaching consequences for women's sport, and has split opinion around the globe. Athletics South Africa likened the new IAAF regulations to apartheid, and both it and Semenya's lawyers have said they could contest the CAS ruling dismissing her appeal against their introduction. Under the rules to take effect on May 8, female athletes with high natural levels of testosterone wishing to compete in events from 400-metres to a mile must medically limit that level to under 5 nmol/L, which is double the normal female range of below 2 nmol/L. Testosterone increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affects endurance. Some competitors have said women with higher levels of the hormone have an unfair advantage. Barring further legal action, Semenya finds herself at a crossroads: Either she submits to the regulations or looks to compete in longer distances. She claimed the 5,000-metres title at the South African Athletics Championships last week, an event not covered by the IAAF regulations, but in a modest time of 16:05.97, well below the qualifying standard for the world championships of 15:22.00. This potential lifeline means Semenya may not abandon the 800-metres yet, though any advance to the Swiss Federal Tribunal could take months to reach a verdict and leave her career in limbo. Former sprinter Michael Johnson, who won four Olympic gold medals between 1992 and 2000, believes the regulations are right for women's athletics. "It was always going to be a difficult situation because through no fault of her own she just happens to have this condition," Johnson told Reuters. "The IAAF has to make a decision on the line that's drawn between the female races and the men's races. I think the decision was based on the fairness of sports, so that there is a level playing field for all of the athletes in any given race." Semenya, 28, has vowed to fight on, whichever distance she races in. "I know that the IAAF's regulations have always targeted me specifically," she said in a statement released via her lawyers on Wednesday. "For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger. The decision of the CAS will not hold me back. I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world." Her personal best of 1:54.25 in the 800-metres will make her the quickest in the field in Doha’s Diamond League meet, the first time she will compete over the distance in 2019.

Caster Semenya to run in Doha as storm rages over new IAAF rules

World athletics governing body IAAF said on Monday it had decided not to lift a ban on Russia's athletics federation over doping, saying it was still waiting to receive data collected from Moscow and financial compensation for its investigations.

Russia's athletics federation (RUSAF) has been suspended since 2015 following a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report that found evidence of widespread doping in the sport.

The IAAF's governing council discussed the possibility of lifting the ban at a meeting in Doha on Sunday and Monday. But Rune Andersen, chair of the IAAF's Russia Taskforce, said Moscow had yet to meet two conditions.

"Logistical" issues had held up financial compensation, including for the taskforce's costs and legal costs in cases Russia had brought to the courts, he said. And the IAAF had not yet not received analytical data and samples from a Moscow lab, which are now still being assessed by WADA.

"Those (issues) need to be resolved. As soon as we have everything we need... we will seriously reconsider and recommend to the IAAF council for reinstatement (of Russia)," he said.

Russian authorities have denied their doping programme was "state-sponsored" but have accepted that senior officials were involved in providing banned substances to athletes, interfering with anti-doping procedures or covering up positive tests.

Russia's reinstatement has been rejected on numerous occasions by the IAAF over the past three years. Should it fail to meet conditions in the coming months, it could risk missing out on sending a team to September's world athletics championships in Doha, Qatar.

Since 2015, some individual Russian athletes have been allowed to compete internationally as neutrals provided they met certain criteria that showed they had operated in a dope-free environment.

World athletics governing body IAAF said on Monday it had decided not to lift a ban on Russia's athletics federation over doping, saying it was still waiting to receive data collected from Moscow and financial compensation for its investigations.

World athletics governing body IAAF said on Monday it had decided not to lift a ban on Russia's athletics federation over doping, saying it was still waiting to receive data collected from Moscow and financial compensation for its investigations. Russia's athletics federation (RUSAF) has been suspended since 2015 following a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report that found evidence of widespread doping in the sport. The IAAF's governing council discussed the possibility of lifting the ban at a meeting in Doha on Sunday and Monday. But Rune Andersen, chair of the IAAF's Russia Taskforce, said Moscow had yet to meet two conditions. "Logistical" issues had held up financial compensation, including for the taskforce's costs and legal costs in cases Russia had brought to the courts, he said. And the IAAF had not yet not received analytical data and samples from a Moscow lab, which are now still being assessed by WADA. "Those (issues) need to be resolved. As soon as we have everything we need... we will seriously reconsider and recommend to the IAAF council for reinstatement (of Russia)," he said. Russian authorities have denied their doping programme was "state-sponsored" but have accepted that senior officials were involved in providing banned substances to athletes, interfering with anti-doping procedures or covering up positive tests. Russia's reinstatement has been rejected on numerous occasions by the IAAF over the past three years. Should it fail to meet conditions in the coming months, it could risk missing out on sending a team to September's world athletics championships in Doha, Qatar. Since 2015, some individual Russian athletes have been allowed to compete internationally as neutrals provided they met certain criteria that showed they had operated in a dope-free environment.

IAAF maintains ban on Russian athletics over doping scandal

Daley Thompson on IAAF's proposed ruling on Hyperandrogenism (WION Exclusive)

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-takes-gender-rule-challenge-to-sports-court-198087">Caster Semenya</a> has said the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) breached confidentiality regulations ahead of her appeal hearing on Monday where she is fighting for her athletics future.

The South African 800-metres double Olympic champion is seeking to overturn a new set of IAAF regulations that are aimed at lowering the testosterone levels of hyperandrogenic athletes.

The appeal, being heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland, could be a landmark case for the sport with wide-reaching consequences.

Semenya believes the IAAF breached confidentiality rules of the hearing after they released the names of five expert witnesses they will bring to the CAS to testify on their behalf.

"The arbitration proceedings are subject to strict confidentiality provisions and this information should not have been released‚" Semenya's lawyers said in a statement on Monday.

"Ms Semenya believes the IAAF press release is a clear breach of the confidentiality provisions that was orchestrated in an effort to influence public opinion in circumstances where the IAAF knew that Ms Semenya would not be prepared to respond because she was complying with her confidentiality obligations.

"As a matter of fairness Ms Semenya raised this issue with the CAS and has been granted permission to publicly release information responding to the IAAF press release‚ including disclosing the experts who are testifying in support of Ms Semenya's case. This information will be released tomorrow."

An IAAF spokesperson told Reuters they believe they were within their rights to make their witness list public.

"The IAAF does not believe the list of witnesses it will be calling is confidential, just their evidence at CAS," the spokesperson said.

"CAS left the decision for all parties to release their witness list to the parties involved. This was agreed."

The IAAF have named Dr Angelica Hirschberg, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, as a witness, along with David Handelsman, Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology at the University of Sydney, and physicist Joanna Harper.

The other two witnesses will be Doriane Coleman, a Professor of Law at Duke Law School, and Richard Auchus, a former Professor of pharmacology at the University of Michigan.

The IAAF regulations stipulate that women with elevated testosterone take medication to reduce their level before being allowed to compete, but only in the middle-distance events of between 400- and 1500-metres where it is claimed the advantage is most felt.

'FAIR COMPETITION'

IAAF President Sebastian Coe told reporters on Monday that the regulations are aimed at levelling the field between hyperandrogenic athletes and those with normal levels of testosterone.

"The core value for the IAAF is the empowerment of girls and women through athletics. The regulations that we are introducing are there to protect the sanctity of fair and open competition," he said.

The IAAF's previous attempts to regulate testosterone in female athletes fell foul of a CAS ruling in 2015 following an appeal on behalf of Indian Dutee Chand, who had been banned from competing because of her high levels.

CAS claimed in their judgement that the IAAF had not provided sufficient evidence that hyperandrogenic athletes gained a significant advantage due to their testosterone count.

The global governing body now claims to have that evidence, but it is believed Semenya will bring experts to prove holes in the IAAF research during the hearing that is scheduled for five days.

A verdict could take up to a month to be reached, according to CAS.

Caster Semenya has said the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) breached confidentiality regulations ahead of her appeal hearing on Monday where she is fighting for her athletics future.

Caster Semenya has said the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) breached confidentiality regulations ahead of her appeal hearing on Monday where she is fighting for her athletics future. The South African 800-metres double Olympic champion is seeking to overturn a new set of IAAF regulations that are aimed at lowering the testosterone levels of hyperandrogenic athletes. The appeal, being heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland, could be a landmark case for the sport with wide-reaching consequences. Semenya believes the IAAF breached confidentiality rules of the hearing after they released the names of five expert witnesses they will bring to the CAS to testify on their behalf. "The arbitration proceedings are subject to strict confidentiality provisions and this information should not have been released‚" Semenya's lawyers said in a statement on Monday. "Ms Semenya believes the IAAF press release is a clear breach of the confidentiality provisions that was orchestrated in an effort to influence public opinion in circumstances where the IAAF knew that Ms Semenya would not be prepared to respond because she was complying with her confidentiality obligations. "As a matter of fairness Ms Semenya raised this issue with the CAS and has been granted permission to publicly release information responding to the IAAF press release‚ including disclosing the experts who are testifying in support of Ms Semenya's case. This information will be released tomorrow." An IAAF spokesperson told Reuters they believe they were within their rights to make their witness list public. "The IAAF does not believe the list of witnesses it will be calling is confidential, just their evidence at CAS," the spokesperson said. "CAS left the decision for all parties to release their witness list to the parties involved. This was agreed." The IAAF have named Dr Angelica Hirschberg, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, as a witness, along with David Handelsman, Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology at the University of Sydney, and physicist Joanna Harper. The other two witnesses will be Doriane Coleman, a Professor of Law at Duke Law School, and Richard Auchus, a former Professor of pharmacology at the University of Michigan. The IAAF regulations stipulate that women with elevated testosterone take medication to reduce their level before being allowed to compete, but only in the middle-distance events of between 400- and 1500-metres where it is claimed the advantage is most felt. 'FAIR COMPETITION' IAAF President Sebastian Coe told reporters on Monday that the regulations are aimed at levelling the field between hyperandrogenic athletes and those with normal levels of testosterone. "The core value for the IAAF is the empowerment of girls and women through athletics. The regulations that we are introducing are there to protect the sanctity of fair and open competition," he said. The IAAF's previous attempts to regulate testosterone in female athletes fell foul of a CAS ruling in 2015 following an appeal on behalf of Indian Dutee Chand, who had been banned from competing because of her high levels. CAS claimed in their judgement that the IAAF had not provided sufficient evidence that hyperandrogenic athletes gained a significant advantage due to their testosterone count. The global governing body now claims to have that evidence, but it is believed Semenya will bring experts to prove holes in the IAAF research during the hearing that is scheduled for five days. A verdict could take up to a month to be reached, according to CAS.

Caster Semenya accuses IAAF of breach of regulations at CAS hearing

Olympic 800 metres champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-says-she-is-unquestionably-a-woman-197551">Caster Semenya</a> of South Africa went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday to challenge proposed rules that could force her to lower her testosterone levels.

Semenya made no comment as she arrived at the court in Lausanne for the start of a week-long hearing that could define the rest of the 28-year-old's career.

The South African government has said the rules set out by track and field's governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), specifically target Semenya and has called them a "gross violation" of her human rights.

The controversial measures would force so-called "hyperandrogenic" athletes or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) to take drugs to lower their testosterone levels below a prescribed amount if they wish to continue competing.

The rules were to have been introduced last November but have been put on hold pending this week's hearings. A judgement is expected at the end of March.

IAAF President Sebastian Coe, arriving at the court, said: "Today is a very, very important day.

"The regulations that we are introducing are there to protect the sanctity of fair and open competition."

The chief advocate for Athletics South Africa, Norman Arendse, said Semenya would give evidence.

"The whole week is going to be important. Obviously the evidence will be evaluated and assessed at the end of the process this week. so today this is the start," he told reporters.

The issue is highly emotive.

When British newspaper The Times reported last week that the IAAF would argue that Semenya should be classified as a biological male -- a claim later denied by the IAAF -- she hit back, saying she was "unquestionably a woman".

In response to the report, the IAAF -- stressing it was referring in general terms, not to Semenya in particular -- denied it intended to classify any DSD athlete as male.

But in a statement, it added: "If a DSD athlete has testes and male levels of testosterone, they get the same increases in bone and muscle size and strength and increases in haemoglobin that a male gets when they go through puberty, which is what gives men such a performance advantage over women.

"Therefore, to preserve fair competition in the female category, it is necessary to require DSD athletes to reduce their testosterone down to female levels before they compete at international level."

Navratilova support

Semenya is not the only athlete potentially affected -- the silver and bronze medallists in the Rio Olympics 800m, Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi and Kenya's Margaret Wambui, have also faced questions about their testosterone levels.

But it is Semenya, who also won Olympic gold in 2012 and has three world titles to her name, who has led opposition to the proposed rules.

Matthieu Reeb, CAS Secretary General, said the case was highly unusual.

"It is unusual and unprecedented because we never had a such a case at CAS," he said. "What is going to happen I am not able to say, but it is going to be important for sure."

South Africa's Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa argues that the rules are "discriminatory".

"What's at stake here is far more than the right to participate in a sport. Women's bodies, their wellbeing, their ability to earn a livelihood, their very identity, their privacy and sense of safety and belonging in the world, are being questioned," Xasa said on Friday.

On Sunday, tennis great Martina Navratilova threw her weight behind Semenya.

The 18-time Grand Slam singles winner said it was significant that the rules would only apply to female athletes competing in distances from 400m to a mile.

"Leaving out sprints and longer distances seems to me to be a clear case of discrimination by targeting Semenya," Navratilova wrote in&nbsp;Britain's Sunday Times newspaper.

"And can it be right to order athletes to take medication? What if the long-term effects proved harmful?... I hope she wins."

Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya of South Africa went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday to challenge proposed rules that could force her to lower her testosterone levels.

Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya of South Africa went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday to challenge proposed rules that could force her to lower her testosterone levels. Semenya made no comment as she arrived at the court in Lausanne for the start of a week-long hearing that could define the rest of the 28-year-old's career. The South African government has said the rules set out by track and field's governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), specifically target Semenya and has called them a "gross violation" of her human rights. The controversial measures would force so-called "hyperandrogenic" athletes or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) to take drugs to lower their testosterone levels below a prescribed amount if they wish to continue competing. The rules were to have been introduced last November but have been put on hold pending this week's hearings. A judgement is expected at the end of March. IAAF President Sebastian Coe, arriving at the court, said: "Today is a very, very important day. "The regulations that we are introducing are there to protect the sanctity of fair and open competition." The chief advocate for Athletics South Africa, Norman Arendse, said Semenya would give evidence. "The whole week is going to be important. Obviously the evidence will be evaluated and assessed at the end of the process this week. so today this is the start," he told reporters. The issue is highly emotive. When British newspaper The Times reported last week that the IAAF would argue that Semenya should be classified as a biological male -- a claim later denied by the IAAF -- she hit back, saying she was "unquestionably a woman". In response to the report, the IAAF -- stressing it was referring in general terms, not to Semenya in particular -- denied it intended to classify any DSD athlete as male. But in a statement, it added: "If a DSD athlete has testes and male levels of testosterone, they get the same increases in bone and muscle size and strength and increases in haemoglobin that a male gets when they go through puberty, which is what gives men such a performance advantage over women. "Therefore, to preserve fair competition in the female category, it is necessary to require DSD athletes to reduce their testosterone down to female levels before they compete at international level." Navratilova support Semenya is not the only athlete potentially affected -- the silver and bronze medallists in the Rio Olympics 800m, Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi and Kenya's Margaret Wambui, have also faced questions about their testosterone levels. But it is Semenya, who also won Olympic gold in 2012 and has three world titles to her name, who has led opposition to the proposed rules. Matthieu Reeb, CAS Secretary General, said the case was highly unusual. "It is unusual and unprecedented because we never had a such a case at CAS," he said. "What is going to happen I am not able to say, but it is going to be important for sure." South Africa's Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa argues that the rules are "discriminatory". "What's at stake here is far more than the right to participate in a sport. Women's bodies, their wellbeing, their ability to earn a livelihood, their very identity, their privacy and sense of safety and belonging in the world, are being questioned," Xasa said on Friday. On Sunday, tennis great Martina Navratilova threw her weight behind Semenya. The 18-time Grand Slam singles winner said it was significant that the rules would only apply to female athletes competing in distances from 400m to a mile. "Leaving out sprints and longer distances seems to me to be a clear case of discrimination by targeting Semenya," Navratilova wrote in Britain's Sunday Times newspaper. "And can it be right to order athletes to take medication? What if the long-term effects proved harmful?... I hope she wins."

Caster Semenya takes gender rule challenge to sports court

South African 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya has said she was "unquestionably a woman", after the IAAF denied reports that it would argue that she should be classified as a biological male.&nbsp;

Semenya, 28, issued the statement on Thursday ahead of a landmark hearing at the Court of Arbitration (CAS) next week that will challenge a proposed rule by the International Athletics Federation (IAAF) aiming to restrict testosterone levels in female runners.

"Ms Semenya is unquestionably a woman. She is a heroine and an inspiration to many around the world," her lawyers said in a statement.

"She asks that she be respected and treated as any other athlete." The rules would force so-called "hyperandrogenic" athletes or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) to keep testosterone levels below a prescribed amount.

The rules were to have been instituted in November 2018 but have been put on ice pending next week's hearings.

Supported by the South African Athletics Federation, the two-time Olympic champion in the 800m (2012, 2016) and three-time world champion (2009, 2011, 2017) has denounced the proposals.

"I just want to run naturally, the way I was born. It is not fair that I am told I must change. It is not fair that people question who I am," she has said previously.

"She looks forward to responding to the IAAF at the upcoming CAS hearing," Semenya's legal team said, adding that "her genetic gift should be celebrated, not discriminated against".

As well as Semenya, the silver and bronze medallists of the 800m at the Rio Olympics, Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi and Kenya's Margaret Wambui, have also faced questions about their testosterone levels.

"The IAAF is not classifying any DSD athlete as male," the IAAF said in a statement. "To preserve fair competition in the female category, it is necessary to require DSD athletes to reduce their testosterone down to female levels."&nbsp;

A CAS spokesman confirmed to AFP on Thursday that the hearing is scheduled for next week in Lausanne from Monday to Friday with Semenya in attendance.&nbsp;

South African 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya has said she was "unquestionably a woman", after the IAAF denied reports that it would argue that she should be classified as a biological male.

South African 800m Olympic champion Caster Semenya has said she was "unquestionably a woman", after the IAAF denied reports that it would argue that she should be classified as a biological male. Semenya, 28, issued the statement on Thursday ahead of a landmark hearing at the Court of Arbitration (CAS) next week that will challenge a proposed rule by the International Athletics Federation (IAAF) aiming to restrict testosterone levels in female runners. "Ms Semenya is unquestionably a woman. She is a heroine and an inspiration to many around the world," her lawyers said in a statement. "She asks that she be respected and treated as any other athlete." The rules would force so-called "hyperandrogenic" athletes or those with "differences of sexual development" (DSD) to keep testosterone levels below a prescribed amount. The rules were to have been instituted in November 2018 but have been put on ice pending next week's hearings. Supported by the South African Athletics Federation, the two-time Olympic champion in the 800m (2012, 2016) and three-time world champion (2009, 2011, 2017) has denounced the proposals. "I just want to run naturally, the way I was born. It is not fair that I am told I must change. It is not fair that people question who I am," she has said previously. "She looks forward to responding to the IAAF at the upcoming CAS hearing," Semenya's legal team said, adding that "her genetic gift should be celebrated, not discriminated against". As well as Semenya, the silver and bronze medallists of the 800m at the Rio Olympics, Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi and Kenya's Margaret Wambui, have also faced questions about their testosterone levels. "The IAAF is not classifying any DSD athlete as male," the IAAF said in a statement. "To preserve fair competition in the female category, it is necessary to require DSD athletes to reduce their testosterone down to female levels." A CAS spokesman confirmed to AFP on Thursday that the hearing is scheduled for next week in Lausanne from Monday to Friday with Semenya in attendance.

Caster Semenya says she is 'unquestionably a woman'

The world's fastest marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge and world decathlon record holder Kevin Mayer are among five nominees for the IAAF's male athlete of the year, the federation announced on Tuesday.

The Kenyan and Frenchman are joined on the shortlist by the quickest person over 60m indoors American Christian Coleman, European pole-vault champion Armand Duplantis from Sweden and Asian Games 400m hurdles champion in Qatar's Abderrahman Samba.

The contenders for the women's prize were announced a day earlier with Kenya's 3000m steeplechase world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, 100m

European champion in Great Britain's Dina Asher-Smith, Colombia's Diamond League long and triple jump title holder Caterine Ibarguen, the Bahamas' 200m Diamond League gold-medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo and European heptathlon champion in Belgian Nafissatou Thiam all included.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Monaco on December 4 after voting from the IAAF's Council, IAAF members and the public.

The world's fastest marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge and world decathlon record holder Kevin Mayer are among five nominees for the IAAF's male athlete of the year, the federation announced on Tuesday.

The world's fastest marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge and world decathlon record holder Kevin Mayer are among five nominees for the IAAF's male athlete of the year, the federation announced on Tuesday. The Kenyan and Frenchman are joined on the shortlist by the quickest person over 60m indoors American Christian Coleman, European pole-vault champion Armand Duplantis from Sweden and Asian Games 400m hurdles champion in Qatar's Abderrahman Samba. The contenders for the women's prize were announced a day earlier with Kenya's 3000m steeplechase world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, 100m European champion in Great Britain's Dina Asher-Smith, Colombia's Diamond League long and triple jump title holder Caterine Ibarguen, the Bahamas' 200m Diamond League gold-medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo and European heptathlon champion in Belgian Nafissatou Thiam all included. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Monaco on December 4 after voting from the IAAF's Council, IAAF members and the public.

World record holders Kipchoge and Mayer nominated for athlete of the year

Botswana&#39;s star run machine Isaac Makwala was denied entry to the London stadium which is hosting the World Athletics Championships after the runner was reportedly hit by the norovirus bug in his hotel.

&nbsp;&quot;Isaac Makwala was withdrawn from the men&#39;s 400m (Final) due to a medical condition on the instruction of the IAAF medical delegate,&quot; world athletics&#39; ruling body said in a statement.

However, Makwala tried to get into the warm-up track at the London stadium ahead of the final but was denied entry by security personnel leading to huge furore during the event.

&quot;There have been no medical tests at all, it&#39;s just generalised assumptions because of the outbreak of sickness and he has just one of those symptoms,&quot; he told the BBC.

The IAAF issued a second statement later on Tuesday saying Makwala had been diagnosed with an &quot;infectious disease&quot; following an examination by a doctor in the warm-up medical centre on Monday.

&quot;The team doctor, team leader and team physio had been informed following the medical examination that the athlete should be quarantined for 48 hours and would, therefore, be missing the 400m final on Tuesday,&quot; it said.

&quot;The IAAF is very sorry that the hard work and talent of Isaac Makwala won&rsquo;t be on display tonight but we have to think of the welfare of all athletes.&quot;

The Botswana&#39;s athletics federation chief, Falcon Sedimo hit back, saying, &quot;There has been no official communication, no formal communication from the IAAF at all.&quot; However, the IAAF in its statement denied the allegation, reiterating the player had been informed prior to the event.

Meanwhile, at least 30 athletes at the world athletics championships have been infected in a suspected outbreak of norovirus, reports said.

Botswana's star run machine Isaac Makwala was denied entry into the stadium after he was reportedly hit by the norovirus bug

Botswana's star run machine Isaac Makwala was denied entry to the London stadium which is hosting the World Athletics Championships after the runner was reportedly hit by the norovirus bug in his hotel. "Isaac Makwala was withdrawn from the men's 400m (Final) due to a medical condition on the instruction of the IAAF medical delegate," world athletics' ruling body said in a statement. However, Makwala tried to get into the warm-up track at the London stadium ahead of the final but was denied entry by security personnel leading to huge furore during the event. "There have been no medical tests at all, it's just generalised assumptions because of the outbreak of sickness and he has just one of those symptoms," he told the BBC. The IAAF issued a second statement later on Tuesday saying Makwala had been diagnosed with an "infectious disease" following an examination by a doctor in the warm-up medical centre on Monday. "The team doctor, team leader and team physio had been informed following the medical examination that the athlete should be quarantined for 48 hours and would, therefore, be missing the 400m final on Tuesday," it said. "The IAAF is very sorry that the hard work and talent of Isaac Makwala won’t be on display tonight but we have to think of the welfare of all athletes." The Botswana's athletics federation chief, Falcon Sedimo hit back, saying, "There has been no official communication, no formal communication from the IAAF at all." However, the IAAF in its statement denied the allegation, reiterating the player had been informed prior to the event. Meanwhile, at least 30 athletes at the world athletics championships have been infected in a suspected outbreak of norovirus, reports said.

IAAF denies Botswana's Isaac Makwala entry into London Stadium

German sportswear giant Adidas today ended its sponsorship of the IAAF in the wake of a doping scandal that has rocked the world of track and field.

Adidas&#39; 11-year sponsorship deal with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) was set to run until 2019.

But it has withdrawn in the wake of an unprecedented corruption scandal that has seen senior former IAAF officials implicated in widespread bribery to keep quiet on positive tests by Russian athletes.

The IAAF said it &quot;thanks adidas for its long standing support of athletics and close partnership with the IAAF&quot;.

&quot;While our commercial relationship concludes at the end of 2016, the IAAF is pleased that adidas remains committed to athletics.&quot;

The IAAF added that it would &quot;shortly make an announcement of a new official IAAF partner in the same category&quot;.&nbsp;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The sportswear giant withdrew its sponsorship in the wake of an unprecedented corruption scandal in the world of track & field

German sportswear giant Adidas today ended its sponsorship of the IAAF in the wake of a doping scandal that has rocked the world of track and field. Adidas' 11-year sponsorship deal with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) was set to run until 2019. But it has withdrawn in the wake of an unprecedented corruption scandal that has seen senior former IAAF officials implicated in widespread bribery to keep quiet on positive tests by Russian athletes. The IAAF said it "thanks adidas for its long standing support of athletics and close partnership with the IAAF". "While our commercial relationship concludes at the end of 2016, the IAAF is pleased that adidas remains committed to athletics." The IAAF added that it would "shortly make an announcement of a new official IAAF partner in the same category". (AFP)

Adidas ends sponsorship of doping-tainted IAAF

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand made the cut for the women&#39;s 100m at the Rio Olympics today, less than a year after she was cleared to race following the Court of Arbitration for Sport&#39;s (CAS) ruling on gender testing guidelines. 
 
The Lausanne-based court suspended the governing International Association of Athletics Federations&#39; (IAAF) regulations regarding hyperandrogenism, a condition which produces high testosterone levels, for two years. 
 
It cleared the way for Chand to compete again in both domestic and international events after she was forced to sit out about a year of competition. 
 
She clocked a national record 11.30 seconds in the 100m heats at the G. Kosanov Memorial Meet in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to qualify for the Rio Games, the qualifying mark for which was set at 11.32. 
 
&quot;I am really happy at the moment,&quot; she said in a statement. &quot;It has been a tough year for me and I am so happy that my coach ... and my hard work has paid off.&nbsp;I would like to thank all the people in India who were praying for me to qualify. Your wishes have paid off.&quot; 
 
The daughter of weavers from Odisha, Chand was dropped from India&#39;s contingent for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Incheon after her naturally-occurring testosterone levels were found to be in breach of IAAF&#39;s guidelines. 
 
She was advised to have surgery and take medication, but instead decided to challenge the guidelines at CAS, who asked the IAAF to present scientific evidence proving enhanced testosterone levels improved performance in hyperandrogenic athletes. 
 
South Africa&#39;s former world champion 800m runner Caster Semenya was also subjected to gender testing by the IAAF before being cleared to compete as a woman. 
 
The Rio Olympics take place from August 5-21. 
 
(Reuters)

Chand was dropped from Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after her high testosterone levels were found

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand made the cut for the women's 100m at the Rio Olympics today, less than a year after she was cleared to race following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) ruling on gender testing guidelines. The Lausanne-based court suspended the governing International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) regulations regarding hyperandrogenism, a condition which produces high testosterone levels, for two years. It cleared the way for Chand to compete again in both domestic and international events after she was forced to sit out about a year of competition. She clocked a national record 11.30 seconds in the 100m heats at the G. Kosanov Memorial Meet in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to qualify for the Rio Games, the qualifying mark for which was set at 11.32. "I am really happy at the moment," she said in a statement. "It has been a tough year for me and I am so happy that my coach ... and my hard work has paid off. I would like to thank all the people in India who were praying for me to qualify. Your wishes have paid off." The daughter of weavers from Odisha, Chand was dropped from India's contingent for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in Incheon after her naturally-occurring testosterone levels were found to be in breach of IAAF's guidelines. She was advised to have surgery and take medication, but instead decided to challenge the guidelines at CAS, who asked the IAAF to present scientific evidence proving enhanced testosterone levels improved performance in hyperandrogenic athletes. South Africa's former world champion 800m runner Caster Semenya was also subjected to gender testing by the IAAF before being cleared to compete as a woman. The Rio Olympics take place from August 5-21. (Reuters)

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand qualifies for Rio Olympics following ruling on gender testing

Less than a week before the opening of the Olympics, International Olympic Committee leaders will meet in Rio de Janeiro this weekend to review the final preparations for the games and deal with the fallout from the doping scandal that has led to the exclusion of more than 100 Russian athletes. 
 
The IOC&#39;s ruling executive board opens a two-day meeting today, its last formal gathering before next Friday night&#39;s opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium. 
 
The meeting comes less than a week after the IOC board decided not to ban Russia&#39;s entire team from the games because of state-sponsored doping. Rejecting calls by more than a dozen anti-doping agencies for a complete ban on Russia, the IOC left it to individual sports federations to vet which athletes could compete or not. 
 
Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday that, so far, 272 of the country&#39;s athletes had been cleared by international federations, out of an original team of 387. 
 
More than 100, however, have been barred, including the track and field team banned by the IAAF and more than 30 other athletes rejected under new IOC eligibility criteria. 
 
The IOC has been roundly criticised by anti-doping bodies, athletes groups and western media for not imposing a total ban on Russia. 
 
Pressure for the full sanction followed a World Anti-Doping Agency report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren that accused Russia&#39;s sports ministry of overseeing a vast doping conspiracy involving the country&#39;s summer and winter sports athletes. 
 
IOC president Thomas Bach has defended the decision as protecting individual athletes from collective punishment. 
 
&quot;This is a decision we just had the opportunity to discuss with some athletes,&quot; Bach said in Rio. &quot;I think the general feeling is that it is appreciated that, on the one hand, we are sanctioning a (doping) system, but on the other hand we have given athletes who were not part of the system the opportunity to demonstrate this and then to be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games.&quot; 
 
Rio&#39;s preparations, meanwhile, remain clouded on several fronts, including budget cuts, raw sewage that pollutes the sites of rowing, sailing, canoeing, open water swimming and triathlon, slow ticket sales, and concerns over crime and the Zika virus. 
 
The games come with the president awaiting an impeachment trial and the country gripped by a severe recession. 
 
The Australians and at least eight other Olympic teams complained this week about their accommodations in the athletes&#39; village, citing plumbing leaks, electrical faults and dirty conditions. 
 
On Friday, Australian athletes and staff had to be evacuated from their building after a small fire broke out in the basement. They returned safely after about 20 minutes. 
 
&quot;In the end you will see a fantastic Olympic Village and great games,&quot; Bach said. &quot;The Brazilians will overwhelm all of us with their passion, with their joy of life, their great hospitality, and with their energy.&quot; 
 
The &nbsp;IOC will hold a three-day session next week, starting Tuesday. A top item on the agenda is Wednesday&#39;s vote on a recommendation to add five sports to the program of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics -- baseball/softball, surfing, karate, skate boarding and sport climbing. 
 
The proposed sports - backed by the executive board and to be voted on as a package - would add 18 events and 474 athletes to the program. 
 
An IOC program commission report released on Friday said the five sports are a blend of the traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, and all have international and local appeal. 
 
(PTI)

Rio's preparations remain clouded on several fronts, including budget cuts, raw sewage, concerns over crime and Zika virus

Less than a week before the opening of the Olympics, International Olympic Committee leaders will meet in Rio de Janeiro this weekend to review the final preparations for the games and deal with the fallout from the doping scandal that has led to the exclusion of more than 100 Russian athletes. The IOC's ruling executive board opens a two-day meeting today, its last formal gathering before next Friday night's opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium. The meeting comes less than a week after the IOC board decided not to ban Russia's entire team from the games because of state-sponsored doping. Rejecting calls by more than a dozen anti-doping agencies for a complete ban on Russia, the IOC left it to individual sports federations to vet which athletes could compete or not. Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday that, so far, 272 of the country's athletes had been cleared by international federations, out of an original team of 387. More than 100, however, have been barred, including the track and field team banned by the IAAF and more than 30 other athletes rejected under new IOC eligibility criteria. The IOC has been roundly criticised by anti-doping bodies, athletes groups and western media for not imposing a total ban on Russia. Pressure for the full sanction followed a World Anti-Doping Agency report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren that accused Russia's sports ministry of overseeing a vast doping conspiracy involving the country's summer and winter sports athletes. IOC president Thomas Bach has defended the decision as protecting individual athletes from collective punishment. "This is a decision we just had the opportunity to discuss with some athletes," Bach said in Rio. "I think the general feeling is that it is appreciated that, on the one hand, we are sanctioning a (doping) system, but on the other hand we have given athletes who were not part of the system the opportunity to demonstrate this and then to be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games." Rio's preparations, meanwhile, remain clouded on several fronts, including budget cuts, raw sewage that pollutes the sites of rowing, sailing, canoeing, open water swimming and triathlon, slow ticket sales, and concerns over crime and the Zika virus. The games come with the president awaiting an impeachment trial and the country gripped by a severe recession. The Australians and at least eight other Olympic teams complained this week about their accommodations in the athletes' village, citing plumbing leaks, electrical faults and dirty conditions. On Friday, Australian athletes and staff had to be evacuated from their building after a small fire broke out in the basement. They returned safely after about 20 minutes. "In the end you will see a fantastic Olympic Village and great games," Bach said. "The Brazilians will overwhelm all of us with their passion, with their joy of life, their great hospitality, and with their energy." The IOC will hold a three-day session next week, starting Tuesday. A top item on the agenda is Wednesday's vote on a recommendation to add five sports to the program of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics -- baseball/softball, surfing, karate, skate boarding and sport climbing. The proposed sports - backed by the executive board and to be voted on as a package - would add 18 events and 474 athletes to the program. An IOC program commission report released on Friday said the five sports are a blend of the traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, and all have international and local appeal. (PTI)

IOC executive board to review final preparations for Rio Games

Yulia Stepanova, the key whistleblower in the Russian doping scandal, said on Thursday she is not a traitor to her country.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t consider myself a traitor as they portray me in Russia. I think the traitors are those who have created the system. Those who give drugs to young athletes and ruining the future of those athletes and force them to become haters of sport. I was trying to tell the truth. I saw a lot of ruined careers of sportsmen,&quot; Stepanova told Reuters. 
 
Her disclosure of state-sponsored, however, doping almost led to Russia being completely excluded from the Rio de Janeiro Games. 
 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited the middle-distance athlete and her husband to attend next month&#39;s Games as guests but denied her a competitive spot in Rio, arguing her doping-tainted past made her ineligible. 
&nbsp; 
Stepanova&#39;s husband Vitaly, a former Russian sports official, said the couple would not be appealing the IOC ban with CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport). &quot;We will not appeal to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) the decision about Yulia. It is not enough time. That was not our intention to go to courts. Our intention was to make sports cleaner and hopefully try to set up some future program for whistleblowers,&quot; Vitaly said in the living room of their tiny apartment. 
 
&#39;Would like to apologise for my past&#39;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I would like to apologise for my past. I doped and I&#39;m not using that as an excuse but to tell about what was going on you had to be on the inside of what was happening.I regret that I believed in that system and that I trusted those people who said that was the only way to join the national team,&quot; Stepanova told Reuters. 
 
Stepanova, who provided evidence of doping in a series of German broadcaster ARD documentaries, has fled Russia and is living in hiding at an undisclosed location in North America, fearing for her safety. 
 
Sunday&#39;s decision by the IOC ruling out a total ban on Russia was a clear disappointment for many athletes campaigning for clean sport. 
 
&quot;We don&#39;t know for sure but to us, it seems that the IOC doesn&#39;t have a zero-tolerance policy to doping and in fact, with the decision about Russia it seems that it sends the opposite signal. That if you run a systematic state-sponsored doping program you will not be sanctioned for it and in this regard there will be Russian athletes who have doping in preparation and athletes from other countries as well,&quot; Vitaly said. 
 
Stepanova was cleared to compete in Rio as a neutral athlete by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and received praise for revealing one of the biggest doping scandals in decades. 
 
However, the IOC ruled on Sunday that any Russian athlete with a doping past, including Stepanova, would not be allowed to compete in Rio. 
 
&quot;The executive board have appreciated that she came forward and she and her husband, who also played a very important role, are being invited to the Olympic Games as a guest of the IOC,&quot; IOC President Thomas Bach said. 
 
Unfortunately, she could not compete due to her doping background, Bach added. An online petition requesting the IOC reconsider the ban has collected thousands of signatures. &quot;I think it&#39;s amazing that so many people believe in us and support us. It&#39;s true. It&#39;s happened,&quot; Yulia said Vitaly Stapanov said the couple were determined to keep fighting for clean sport despite their recent setback. 
 
&quot;The reason we started whistleblowing is that we saw there is a problem in our home country and it&#39;s unfortunate there are corrupt sport officials setting up these kinds of systems in our home country again but I don&#39;t think that should be used as an excuse for not fighting corruption and doping and that was the reason we decided to fight it or at least try to fight it.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

'I don't consider myself a traitor as they portray me in Russia. I think the traitors are those who have created the system,' said Stepanova

Yulia Stepanova, the key whistleblower in the Russian doping scandal, said on Thursday she is not a traitor to her country. "I don't consider myself a traitor as they portray me in Russia. I think the traitors are those who have created the system. Those who give drugs to young athletes and ruining the future of those athletes and force them to become haters of sport. I was trying to tell the truth. I saw a lot of ruined careers of sportsmen," Stepanova told Reuters. Her disclosure of state-sponsored, however, doping almost led to Russia being completely excluded from the Rio de Janeiro Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited the middle-distance athlete and her husband to attend next month's Games as guests but denied her a competitive spot in Rio, arguing her doping-tainted past made her ineligible. Stepanova's husband Vitaly, a former Russian sports official, said the couple would not be appealing the IOC ban with CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport). "We will not appeal to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) the decision about Yulia. It is not enough time. That was not our intention to go to courts. Our intention was to make sports cleaner and hopefully try to set up some future program for whistleblowers," Vitaly said in the living room of their tiny apartment. 'Would like to apologise for my past' "I would like to apologise for my past. I doped and I'm not using that as an excuse but to tell about what was going on you had to be on the inside of what was happening.I regret that I believed in that system and that I trusted those people who said that was the only way to join the national team," Stepanova told Reuters. Stepanova, who provided evidence of doping in a series of German broadcaster ARD documentaries, has fled Russia and is living in hiding at an undisclosed location in North America, fearing for her safety. Sunday's decision by the IOC ruling out a total ban on Russia was a clear disappointment for many athletes campaigning for clean sport. "We don't know for sure but to us, it seems that the IOC doesn't have a zero-tolerance policy to doping and in fact, with the decision about Russia it seems that it sends the opposite signal. That if you run a systematic state-sponsored doping program you will not be sanctioned for it and in this regard there will be Russian athletes who have doping in preparation and athletes from other countries as well," Vitaly said. Stepanova was cleared to compete in Rio as a neutral athlete by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and received praise for revealing one of the biggest doping scandals in decades. However, the IOC ruled on Sunday that any Russian athlete with a doping past, including Stepanova, would not be allowed to compete in Rio. "The executive board have appreciated that she came forward and she and her husband, who also played a very important role, are being invited to the Olympic Games as a guest of the IOC," IOC President Thomas Bach said. Unfortunately, she could not compete due to her doping background, Bach added. An online petition requesting the IOC reconsider the ban has collected thousands of signatures. "I think it's amazing that so many people believe in us and support us. It's true. It's happened," Yulia said Vitaly Stapanov said the couple were determined to keep fighting for clean sport despite their recent setback. "The reason we started whistleblowing is that we saw there is a problem in our home country and it's unfortunate there are corrupt sport officials setting up these kinds of systems in our home country again but I don't think that should be used as an excuse for not fighting corruption and doping and that was the reason we decided to fight it or at least try to fight it." (Reuters)

Russia doping scandal: Key whistleblower says she is no 'traitor'

The global governing body for athletics on Wednesday stood behind its ban on Russia&#39;s track and field athletes competing at the Rio Olympics, effectively leaving all avenues explored in Moscow&#39;s attempts to get the team readmitted. 
 
The decision was discriminatory, amounted to a political campaign waged against Russian sports people and devalued any medals won in their absence, Russia&#39;s President Vladimir Putin said. 
 
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) imposed the ban in November in response to systematic state-sponsored doping by Russia. 
 
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), sport&#39;s highest court, upheld that decision last week. 
 
Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko wrote to the IAAF on Monday to get the ban overturned. But there were &quot;no grounds for further review&quot;, the organisation said on Wednesday. 
 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejected calls to impose a blanket ban on Russians competing at the Rio Games, which start on August 5, after the independent McLaren report found evidence of state-sponsored doping at the Sochi Olympics. 
 
The IOC passed the baton to each sport&#39;s world governing federation to clear individual Russian competitors for next month&#39;s Games, adding that the athletes must have a clean international record on drug testing to be eligible to compete. 
 
Maintaining its ban, the IAAF said the applications by 68 Russian athletes for eligibility to compete in Rio were assessed carefully and individually by its Doping Review Board. 
 
&quot;Only (long jumper Darya Klishina) ...was found to meet the criteria for exceptional eligibility. CAS considered the appeals of the (other) 67 athletes fully and rejected them,&quot; it said in a statement. 
 
Mixed Response 
 
Addressing members of Russia&#39;s Olympic team at the Kremlin, Putin said the scandal, which centres on allegations that the Russian government and FSB security service systematically covered up doping for years, had unfairly targeted many Russian sportspersons who had not faced specific and proven accusations. 
 
&quot;This is a blow to the entire sporting world and to the Olympic Games,&quot; he said. &quot;...the absence of Russian sportspersons - leaders in many sporting disciplines - will significantly affect the intensity of the competition and diminish the spectator value of the forthcoming events.&quot; 
 
To date, responses from other sports&#39; individual federations to the IOC ruling has been mixed, with several Russian swimmers, canoeists and rowers subject to bans. 
 
On Wednesday, the International Triathlon Union gave the all-clear to the six Russian triathletes and the International Fencing Federation approved Russia&#39;s 16-member fencing team. 
 
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) added that it has sent a list of Russian volleyball and beach volleyball participants to the IOC and CAS for approval. 
 
R-Sport News Agency reported that the country&#39;s volleyball teams had also been given the green light, while Vasily Titov, vice-president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) told R-Sport that Russian gymnasts could also participate. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

IAAF rejected Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko's appeal to overturn ban, saying there were no grounds for further review

The global governing body for athletics on Wednesday stood behind its ban on Russia's track and field athletes competing at the Rio Olympics, effectively leaving all avenues explored in Moscow's attempts to get the team readmitted. The decision was discriminatory, amounted to a political campaign waged against Russian sports people and devalued any medals won in their absence, Russia's President Vladimir Putin said. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) imposed the ban in November in response to systematic state-sponsored doping by Russia. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), sport's highest court, upheld that decision last week. Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko wrote to the IAAF on Monday to get the ban overturned. But there were "no grounds for further review", the organisation said on Wednesday. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejected calls to impose a blanket ban on Russians competing at the Rio Games, which start on August 5, after the independent McLaren report found evidence of state-sponsored doping at the Sochi Olympics. The IOC passed the baton to each sport's world governing federation to clear individual Russian competitors for next month's Games, adding that the athletes must have a clean international record on drug testing to be eligible to compete. Maintaining its ban, the IAAF said the applications by 68 Russian athletes for eligibility to compete in Rio were assessed carefully and individually by its Doping Review Board. "Only (long jumper Darya Klishina) ...was found to meet the criteria for exceptional eligibility. CAS considered the appeals of the (other) 67 athletes fully and rejected them," it said in a statement. Mixed Response Addressing members of Russia's Olympic team at the Kremlin, Putin said the scandal, which centres on allegations that the Russian government and FSB security service systematically covered up doping for years, had unfairly targeted many Russian sportspersons who had not faced specific and proven accusations. "This is a blow to the entire sporting world and to the Olympic Games," he said. "...the absence of Russian sportspersons - leaders in many sporting disciplines - will significantly affect the intensity of the competition and diminish the spectator value of the forthcoming events." To date, responses from other sports' individual federations to the IOC ruling has been mixed, with several Russian swimmers, canoeists and rowers subject to bans. On Wednesday, the International Triathlon Union gave the all-clear to the six Russian triathletes and the International Fencing Federation approved Russia's 16-member fencing team. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) added that it has sent a list of Russian volleyball and beach volleyball participants to the IOC and CAS for approval. R-Sport News Agency reported that the country's volleyball teams had also been given the green light, while Vasily Titov, vice-president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) told R-Sport that Russian gymnasts could also participate. (Reuters)

IAAF confirms ban on 67 Russian athletes for Rio

Russia insisted today that it expects to avoid a blanket ban from the IOC on its competitors at the Rio Olympics despite its track and field squad losing an appeal over a suspension for state-sponsored doping. 
 
&quot;All sportsmen who have not been convicted or are not under suspicion of doping should have the right to compete. That is the decision we are counting on,&quot; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. 
 
The International Olympic Committee&#39;s executive board are to hold a conference call on Sunday to discuss banning Russia from the Rio Games starting on August 5. 
 
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday ruled against Russia&#39;s athletes in a decision seen as a key indicator as the IOC debates whether to kick out the whole Russian team. 
 
The IOC is facing international pressure to act tough on Russia and ban the entire team over bombshell revelations of a state-run doping system that has seen the country cheat its way to victory. 
 
Fourteen national anti-doping agencies including the United States, Canada and Germany sent a joint letter to IOC President Thomas Bach on Thursday urging him to ban Russia from Rio. 
 
Officials in Moscow have slammed the decision by CAS to reject its appeal against a ban from the world athletics body IAAF, calling it part of a broader political campaign by the West against Russia. 
 
The suspension of the track and field team already means that star athletes like pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and hurdler Sergey Shubenkov will not be in Rio. 
 
Isinbayeva who has threatened to call time on her career over the ban slammed the CAS ruling as a &quot;funeral for athletics.&quot; 
 
Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko who has clung on despite the scandal said Moscow now hopes the IOC will defer to individual international sporting federations to decide whether other Russian squads can compete. 
 
Cold War 
 
The CAS ruling has been the focus of Olympic attention since an independent WADA report this week said Russia ran a &quot;state-dictated failsafe system&quot; of drug cheating in 30 sports at the 2014 Sochi Games and other major events. 
 
But Russia has found support from some international sports bodies, with the International Judo Federation (IJF) insisting all clean athletes should be allowed to take part in Rio. 
 
&quot;We hope that by allowing participation of Russian athletes in Rio 2016, we will send out a positive message to all the young people who deserve to be given examples of friendship instead of examples of Cold War,&quot; said IJF president Marius Vizer. 
 
Individual Russian federations said they were now looking nervously ahead for the IOC to make its next move. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re all in suspense waiting for the IOC decision,&quot; wrestling federation president Mikhail Mamiashvili told AFP. 
 
&quot;I hope that the common sense and personal responsibility of those who will take the decision will prevail.&quot; 
 
The IAAF banned all of the Russian track and field team over allegations of state-sponsored doping but said athletes who prove they were not tainted by their country&#39;s corrupt system could be cleared. 
 
The IAAF has only gave permission for one Russian team member to compete as a neutral is US-based long jumper Darya Klishina to compete in Rio. 
 
The IOC has appeared to back the principle that international sporting federations could clear individual athletes in case of a blanket ban but with just two weeks to go until Rio time is slipping away. 
 
The Russian press had widely predicted that CAS would decide against Moscow and reaction was a mixture of soul-searching and criticism over systemic failings. 
 
&quot;They accused us of setting up a system in the country based on doping and we didn&#39;t react at all to these accusations,&quot; wrote daily Sovietsky Sport. &quot;That&#39;s why they&#39;re banning us.&quot; 
 
&quot;Alas, everything that is happening with our sports is the fruit of our own errors,&quot; a column in usually pro-Kremlin tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda said, citing years of mismanagement. 
 
&quot;It is far from certain that even the current apocalyptic storm will force us to change our sport. Maybe only if the IOC buries our team on Sunday.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

International Olympic Committee's executive board are to hold a conference call on Sunday to discuss banning Russia from the Rio Games

Russia insisted today that it expects to avoid a blanket ban from the IOC on its competitors at the Rio Olympics despite its track and field squad losing an appeal over a suspension for state-sponsored doping. "All sportsmen who have not been convicted or are not under suspicion of doping should have the right to compete. That is the decision we are counting on," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The International Olympic Committee's executive board are to hold a conference call on Sunday to discuss banning Russia from the Rio Games starting on August 5. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday ruled against Russia's athletes in a decision seen as a key indicator as the IOC debates whether to kick out the whole Russian team. The IOC is facing international pressure to act tough on Russia and ban the entire team over bombshell revelations of a state-run doping system that has seen the country cheat its way to victory. Fourteen national anti-doping agencies including the United States, Canada and Germany sent a joint letter to IOC President Thomas Bach on Thursday urging him to ban Russia from Rio. Officials in Moscow have slammed the decision by CAS to reject its appeal against a ban from the world athletics body IAAF, calling it part of a broader political campaign by the West against Russia. The suspension of the track and field team already means that star athletes like pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and hurdler Sergey Shubenkov will not be in Rio. Isinbayeva who has threatened to call time on her career over the ban slammed the CAS ruling as a "funeral for athletics." Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko who has clung on despite the scandal said Moscow now hopes the IOC will defer to individual international sporting federations to decide whether other Russian squads can compete. Cold War The CAS ruling has been the focus of Olympic attention since an independent WADA report this week said Russia ran a "state-dictated failsafe system" of drug cheating in 30 sports at the 2014 Sochi Games and other major events. But Russia has found support from some international sports bodies, with the International Judo Federation (IJF) insisting all clean athletes should be allowed to take part in Rio. "We hope that by allowing participation of Russian athletes in Rio 2016, we will send out a positive message to all the young people who deserve to be given examples of friendship instead of examples of Cold War," said IJF president Marius Vizer. Individual Russian federations said they were now looking nervously ahead for the IOC to make its next move. "We're all in suspense waiting for the IOC decision," wrestling federation president Mikhail Mamiashvili told AFP. "I hope that the common sense and personal responsibility of those who will take the decision will prevail." The IAAF banned all of the Russian track and field team over allegations of state-sponsored doping but said athletes who prove they were not tainted by their country's corrupt system could be cleared. The IAAF has only gave permission for one Russian team member to compete as a neutral is US-based long jumper Darya Klishina to compete in Rio. The IOC has appeared to back the principle that international sporting federations could clear individual athletes in case of a blanket ban but with just two weeks to go until Rio time is slipping away. The Russian press had widely predicted that CAS would decide against Moscow and reaction was a mixture of soul-searching and criticism over systemic failings. "They accused us of setting up a system in the country based on doping and we didn't react at all to these accusations," wrote daily Sovietsky Sport. "That's why they're banning us." "Alas, everything that is happening with our sports is the fruit of our own errors," a column in usually pro-Kremlin tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda said, citing years of mismanagement. "It is far from certain that even the current apocalyptic storm will force us to change our sport. Maybe only if the IOC buries our team on Sunday." (AFP)

Russia braces for IOC ruling after CAS bans athletics squad

Sport&#39;s highest tribunal the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday rejected Russia&#39;s appeal against the exclusion of its track and field athletes from the Olympic Games starting in Rio in 15 days&#39; time. The Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport said in its verdict: &quot;CAS rejects the claims/appeal of the Russian Olympic Committee and 68 Russian athletes.&quot; 
 
The appeal to CAS was launched by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and 68 Russian athletes who said they were being punished despite not having failed drugs tests, and that they should be eligible to compete in Rio. 
 
The verdict drew swift condemnation from Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: &quot;I certainly regret such a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which refers to absolutely all of our athletes.&quot; Russia had argued the blanket ban was unfair to individual athletes with no record of doping. &quot;The principle of collective responsibility is hardly acceptable,&quot; Peskov said. Double Olympic champion pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva described the CAS decision as &quot;the funeral of athletics&quot;. 
 
IAAF welcomes CAS verdict&nbsp; 
 
Athletics&#39; governing body the IAAF has welcomed sports court CAS&#39;s rejection of Russia&#39;s doping appeal, declaring Thursday&#39;s ruling &quot;has created a level playing field for athletes&quot;. &quot;The CAS award upholds the rights of the IAAF to use its rules for the protection of the sport, to protect clean athletes and support the credibility and integrity of competition,&quot; the IAAF statement read. 
 
IAAF president Sebastian Coe cautioned that while he welcomed the verdict, &quot;this is not a day for triumphant statements. I didn&rsquo;t come into this sport to stop athletes from competing. It is our federation&rsquo;s instinctive desire to include, not exclude.&quot; 
 
IOC mulls banning Russia entirely from the Rio Games 
 
The decision increases the possibility that the International Olympic Committee will now ban Russia from all sports in Rio, a grave blow to a nation that prides itself on its status as a sporting superpower. The IOC is expected to reach a final decision on Sunday and has said it will take the CAS ruling into account. 
 
Russian track and field athletes were banned from international competition in November after an independent commission set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found rampant state-sponsored doping in Russian athletics. 
 
The ban was imposed by the IAAF, the global governing body for athletics, which reconfirmed it last month, saying there were still considerable problems with anti-doping in Russia. 
 
On Monday, another WADA report revealed evidence of systematic and widespread state-sponsored doping by Russian competitors before and at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. 
 
(Reuters, AFP) 
&nbsp;

Athletics' governing body the IAAF welcomes CAS ruling, says Russia doping ruling creates 'level playing field'

Sport's highest tribunal the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday rejected Russia's appeal against the exclusion of its track and field athletes from the Olympic Games starting in Rio in 15 days' time. The Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport said in its verdict: "CAS rejects the claims/appeal of the Russian Olympic Committee and 68 Russian athletes." The appeal to CAS was launched by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and 68 Russian athletes who said they were being punished despite not having failed drugs tests, and that they should be eligible to compete in Rio. The verdict drew swift condemnation from Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "I certainly regret such a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which refers to absolutely all of our athletes." Russia had argued the blanket ban was unfair to individual athletes with no record of doping. "The principle of collective responsibility is hardly acceptable," Peskov said. Double Olympic champion pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva described the CAS decision as "the funeral of athletics". IAAF welcomes CAS verdict Athletics' governing body the IAAF has welcomed sports court CAS's rejection of Russia's doping appeal, declaring Thursday's ruling "has created a level playing field for athletes". "The CAS award upholds the rights of the IAAF to use its rules for the protection of the sport, to protect clean athletes and support the credibility and integrity of competition," the IAAF statement read. IAAF president Sebastian Coe cautioned that while he welcomed the verdict, "this is not a day for triumphant statements. I didn’t come into this sport to stop athletes from competing. It is our federation’s instinctive desire to include, not exclude." IOC mulls banning Russia entirely from the Rio Games The decision increases the possibility that the International Olympic Committee will now ban Russia from all sports in Rio, a grave blow to a nation that prides itself on its status as a sporting superpower. The IOC is expected to reach a final decision on Sunday and has said it will take the CAS ruling into account. Russian track and field athletes were banned from international competition in November after an independent commission set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found rampant state-sponsored doping in Russian athletics. The ban was imposed by the IAAF, the global governing body for athletics, which reconfirmed it last month, saying there were still considerable problems with anti-doping in Russia. On Monday, another WADA report revealed evidence of systematic and widespread state-sponsored doping by Russian competitors before and at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. (Reuters, AFP)

CAS bars Russian field athletes from Rio Olympics, draws ire from Moscow

The report to be released Monday into allegations of widespread state-sponsored doping in Russia has already sparked rumblings it could trigger the &quot;nuclear option&quot; of a full ban of Russia from the Rio Olympics. 
 
With the August 5 start of the Summer Games less than three weeks away, anticipation of the report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren has the Olympic world on edge. 
 
Some world sports leaders decried what they saw as a pre-emptive strike from others pushing for a Russian ban before the findings were revealed in a press conference scheduled for 9:00 am (1300 GMT) in Toronto. 
 
McLaren was tasked by the World Anti-Doping Agency with investigating wide-ranging allegations made by former Russian anti-doping laboratory director Grigory Rodchenkov in a May article in The New York Times. 
 
Rodchenkov, now living in the United States, claimed that even Russian secret services took part in an operation to manipulate Russian doping test samples at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. 
 
Mclaren said in June that the early results of his work had found &quot;credible and verifiable&quot; evidence to back the allegations. 
 
&quot;Kicking the Russia team out of the Rio Games would be the nuclear option,&quot; former WADA president Dick Pound told the Sunday Times in June. &quot;But it`s not impossible.&quot; 
 
Russia is already barred from international athletics by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). 
 
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could rule as early as Tuesday on an appeal by 68 Russian athletes who say they should be allowed to compete in Rio. European Olympic Committees (EOC) president Pat Hickey reacted angrily at the weekend to an e-mail seeking support for a blanket ban on Russia before McLaren&#39;s report was issued. 
 
&quot;Such interference and calls ahead of the McLaren Report publication are totally against internationally recognised fair legal process and may have completely undermined the integrity and therefore the credibility of this important report,&quot; Hickey said. 
 
He said that Beckie Scott, the Canadian chairman of the WADA athletes commission and an International Olympic Committee member, had sent out an email appeal to back a letter from the US and Canadian anti-doping agencies to IOC president Thomas Bach about a ban of the Russia delegation. 
 
Hickey wasn&#39;t the only one complaining, with executives of the Croatian and Greek national Olympic committees also decrying what they perceived as a rush to judgment. 
 
World swimming&#39;s governing body FINA expressed concern &quot;that there has been a drive behind the scenes, led by the WADA Athletes Commission Chair, to get a global coalition of support from selected organisations in the Olympic Movement to support the call for the total ban on Russia. 
 
&quot;Rodchenkov&#39;s accusations are certainly startling enough. He claimed Russia&#39;s sports ministry was actively involved in doping -- a claim that Russian officials have denied. 
 
An intricate doping program in the buildup to the Sochi Games &quot;was working like a Swiss watch,&quot; he said, adding that at least 15 Russian medalists were its beneficiaries. 
 
He described a clandestine scene in the lab handling testing for Sochi, in which security agents helped switch urine samples in supposedly tamper-proof bottles -- the athletes using text messaging to help thwart the system designed to keep lab workers blind to the identities of sample providers. 
 
The IOC, Canadian anti-doping chief Paul Melia said in a blog, &quot;will have no choice&quot; but to ban all Russian competitors from Rio if the McLaren report confirms Rodchenkov`s allegations.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The outcome is a possibility should a report confirm doping allegations made by the former chief of Russia's national anti-doping laboratory

The report to be released Monday into allegations of widespread state-sponsored doping in Russia has already sparked rumblings it could trigger the "nuclear option" of a full ban of Russia from the Rio Olympics. With the August 5 start of the Summer Games less than three weeks away, anticipation of the report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren has the Olympic world on edge. Some world sports leaders decried what they saw as a pre-emptive strike from others pushing for a Russian ban before the findings were revealed in a press conference scheduled for 9:00 am (1300 GMT) in Toronto. McLaren was tasked by the World Anti-Doping Agency with investigating wide-ranging allegations made by former Russian anti-doping laboratory director Grigory Rodchenkov in a May article in The New York Times. Rodchenkov, now living in the United States, claimed that even Russian secret services took part in an operation to manipulate Russian doping test samples at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Mclaren said in June that the early results of his work had found "credible and verifiable" evidence to back the allegations. "Kicking the Russia team out of the Rio Games would be the nuclear option," former WADA president Dick Pound told the Sunday Times in June. "But it`s not impossible." Russia is already barred from international athletics by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could rule as early as Tuesday on an appeal by 68 Russian athletes who say they should be allowed to compete in Rio. European Olympic Committees (EOC) president Pat Hickey reacted angrily at the weekend to an e-mail seeking support for a blanket ban on Russia before McLaren's report was issued. "Such interference and calls ahead of the McLaren Report publication are totally against internationally recognised fair legal process and may have completely undermined the integrity and therefore the credibility of this important report," Hickey said. He said that Beckie Scott, the Canadian chairman of the WADA athletes commission and an International Olympic Committee member, had sent out an email appeal to back a letter from the US and Canadian anti-doping agencies to IOC president Thomas Bach about a ban of the Russia delegation. Hickey wasn't the only one complaining, with executives of the Croatian and Greek national Olympic committees also decrying what they perceived as a rush to judgment. World swimming's governing body FINA expressed concern "that there has been a drive behind the scenes, led by the WADA Athletes Commission Chair, to get a global coalition of support from selected organisations in the Olympic Movement to support the call for the total ban on Russia. "Rodchenkov's accusations are certainly startling enough. He claimed Russia's sports ministry was actively involved in doping -- a claim that Russian officials have denied. An intricate doping program in the buildup to the Sochi Games "was working like a Swiss watch," he said, adding that at least 15 Russian medalists were its beneficiaries. He described a clandestine scene in the lab handling testing for Sochi, in which security agents helped switch urine samples in supposedly tamper-proof bottles -- the athletes using text messaging to help thwart the system designed to keep lab workers blind to the identities of sample providers. The IOC, Canadian anti-doping chief Paul Melia said in a blog, "will have no choice" but to ban all Russian competitors from Rio if the McLaren report confirms Rodchenkov`s allegations." (AFP)

Russia may not be allowed to send any sportsperson -- no gymnast, no pole vaulter, no ice hockey player -- to the Rio Olympics

Long jumper Darya Klishina, the only Russian athlete cleared to compete in this summer&#39;s Olympic Games in Rio, says she does not feel a traitor. 
 
The 25-year-old was given the go-ahead on Sunday by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to compete internationally as a neutral athlete after a successful appeal against a blanket ban on her country&#39;s track and field athletes for systematic doping. 
 
Klishina, whose best performance at a senior global event was fourth at the world indoor championships in Istanbul in 2012, thanked the IAAF for giving her the chance to compete in Rio in a post on her Facebook page shortly after the decision. 
 
However, a number of Russian fans were not happy and accused Klishina of being a traitor for not showing solidarity with other Russian sportsmen and women. 
 
&quot;I would like to point out that I didn&#39;t start training in the USA with an American coach a month before this situation turned out the way it did. I have been there for three years. 
 
&quot;Therefore, I think it is wrong to criticise me and call me a Russian traitor,&quot; said Klishina in an interview with the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) website www.rusathletics.com. 
 
&quot;I am still really waiting and hoping that I will not be going to Rio alone. I want to believe that the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, following its decision on July 19, will give us a positive decision.&quot; 
 
She added: &quot;Now we all need support. Let&#39;s unite and we will believe right to the end that we will compete in Rio as a team.&quot; 
 
The IAAF banned Russia&#39;s track and field athletes last year after a World Anti-Doping Agency report uncovered systematic state-sponsored doping within the country. 
 
The ban was extended last month, ruling the country&#39;s athletes out of next month&#39;s Olympics, subject to an appeal by the ARAF to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 
 
(Reuters)

Long jumper Darya Klishina was given the go-ahead on Sunday by the IAAF to compete internationally as a neutral athlete

Long jumper Darya Klishina, the only Russian athlete cleared to compete in this summer's Olympic Games in Rio, says she does not feel a traitor. The 25-year-old was given the go-ahead on Sunday by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to compete internationally as a neutral athlete after a successful appeal against a blanket ban on her country's track and field athletes for systematic doping. Klishina, whose best performance at a senior global event was fourth at the world indoor championships in Istanbul in 2012, thanked the IAAF for giving her the chance to compete in Rio in a post on her Facebook page shortly after the decision. However, a number of Russian fans were not happy and accused Klishina of being a traitor for not showing solidarity with other Russian sportsmen and women. "I would like to point out that I didn't start training in the USA with an American coach a month before this situation turned out the way it did. I have been there for three years. "Therefore, I think it is wrong to criticise me and call me a Russian traitor," said Klishina in an interview with the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) website www.rusathletics.com. "I am still really waiting and hoping that I will not be going to Rio alone. I want to believe that the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, following its decision on July 19, will give us a positive decision." She added: "Now we all need support. Let's unite and we will believe right to the end that we will compete in Rio as a team." The IAAF banned Russia's track and field athletes last year after a World Anti-Doping Agency report uncovered systematic state-sponsored doping within the country. The ban was extended last month, ruling the country's athletes out of next month's Olympics, subject to an appeal by the ARAF to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. (Reuters)

I'm no traitor, says only Russian athlete cleared to compete in Rio Olympics

The IAAF&#39;s Doping Review Board has turned down applications from 67 Russian athletes to compete internationally as &quot;neutral&quot; individuals, following a blanket ban on the country&#39;s track and field athletes for systematic doping. 
 
The All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) said in a statement today it was informed by the sport&#39;s world governing IAAF that only one application had been approved, from long jumper Darya Klishina, out of 68 requests made. 
 
&quot;The rest of the 67 athletes who have been approved by the ARAF&#39;s board as they have fulfilled the federation&#39;s criteria to compete in the Olympics have been refused,&quot; ARAF said on its website. 
 
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) suspended Russia&#39;s track and field athletes last year after a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report uncovered systematic state-sponsored doping in the country. 
 
The ban was extended last month, which ruled Russia&#39;s athletes out of next month&#39;s Rio Olympics, although ARAF has appealed against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and it is due to rule on the case by July 21. 
 
Individual Russian athletes, however, could apply to the IAAF for exemptions to compete as a &quot;neutral athlete&quot; if they could prove they were not involved in the system and were subjected to drug tests outside the country. 
 
However, the 25-year-old Klishina, who finished 10th in the long jump at last year&#39;s world championships in Beijing, was the only one of the 68 athletes approved by ARAF who has been cleared by the IAAF to compete internationally as a &quot;neutral&quot;. 
 
Klishina&#39;s was one of 136 appeals to the IAAF under the neutral athlete provisions and most of the applications had been reviewed, the IAAF had said on Saturday. 
 
Russian doping whistleblower Yulia Stepanova&#39;s application to compete as an individual was accepted by the IAAF on July 1. She competed in the 800 metres at the European Athletics Championships on Wednesday although she pulled up injured. 
 
The former drug cheat&#39;s revelations helped expose the massive doping problem in her country and she left Russia and went into hiding after disclosing the issue. 
 
She is still waiting to hear from the International Olympic Committee whether she can participate in the Rio Games. 
 
Legal possibilities 
 
ARAF said today it would carry on fighting against the IAAF&#39;s decisions and added that the country&#39;s athletes were continuing to prepare for the Olympics, which start on Aug. 5. 
 
&quot;The ARAF does not agree with the decision taken by the IAAF&#39;s Council from June 17 (to extend the blanket ban) and the decision from the IAAF&#39;s Doping Review Board on July 10 in regard to the Russian athletes,&quot; said the ARAF statement. 
 
&quot;The ARAF will use all legal possibilities in order that Russian athletes will get the chance to take part in the Olympics. 
 
&quot;Russian athletes are continuing to prepare for the most important event in four years, and together with the Russian Sports Ministry and the Russian Olympic Committee we will take all the necessary technical and organisational steps in order to prepare the Russian track and field team for the Olympic Games.&quot; 
 
&quot;The federation is fighting for the right of clean sportsmen and is waiting for a decision from CAS,&quot; ARAF added. 
 
Klishina&#39;s best performance at a senior global event was fourth at the world indoor championships in Istanbul in 2012. She has finished seventh twice at the world outdoor championships in 2013 in Moscow and in 2014 in Sopot. 
 
&quot;The IAAF Doping Review Board has agreed that Russian long jump athlete Darya Klishina meets the exceptional eligibility criteria to compete in international competition as a neutral athlete,&quot; the IAAF said on its website. 
 
&quot;Darya Klishina&#39;s participation as a neutral athlete in international competition is still subject to acceptance by the organiser of the competition in question, in accordance with the rules of that competition,&quot; it added. 
 
(Reuters)

The All-Russian Athletics Federation said today that it will carry on fighting against the IAAF's decisions

The IAAF's Doping Review Board has turned down applications from 67 Russian athletes to compete internationally as "neutral" individuals, following a blanket ban on the country's track and field athletes for systematic doping. The All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) said in a statement today it was informed by the sport's world governing IAAF that only one application had been approved, from long jumper Darya Klishina, out of 68 requests made. "The rest of the 67 athletes who have been approved by the ARAF's board as they have fulfilled the federation's criteria to compete in the Olympics have been refused," ARAF said on its website. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) suspended Russia's track and field athletes last year after a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report uncovered systematic state-sponsored doping in the country. The ban was extended last month, which ruled Russia's athletes out of next month's Rio Olympics, although ARAF has appealed against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and it is due to rule on the case by July 21. Individual Russian athletes, however, could apply to the IAAF for exemptions to compete as a "neutral athlete" if they could prove they were not involved in the system and were subjected to drug tests outside the country. However, the 25-year-old Klishina, who finished 10th in the long jump at last year's world championships in Beijing, was the only one of the 68 athletes approved by ARAF who has been cleared by the IAAF to compete internationally as a "neutral". Klishina's was one of 136 appeals to the IAAF under the neutral athlete provisions and most of the applications had been reviewed, the IAAF had said on Saturday. Russian doping whistleblower Yulia Stepanova's application to compete as an individual was accepted by the IAAF on July 1. She competed in the 800 metres at the European Athletics Championships on Wednesday although she pulled up injured. The former drug cheat's revelations helped expose the massive doping problem in her country and she left Russia and went into hiding after disclosing the issue. She is still waiting to hear from the International Olympic Committee whether she can participate in the Rio Games. Legal possibilities ARAF said today it would carry on fighting against the IAAF's decisions and added that the country's athletes were continuing to prepare for the Olympics, which start on Aug. 5. "The ARAF does not agree with the decision taken by the IAAF's Council from June 17 (to extend the blanket ban) and the decision from the IAAF's Doping Review Board on July 10 in regard to the Russian athletes," said the ARAF statement. "The ARAF will use all legal possibilities in order that Russian athletes will get the chance to take part in the Olympics. "Russian athletes are continuing to prepare for the most important event in four years, and together with the Russian Sports Ministry and the Russian Olympic Committee we will take all the necessary technical and organisational steps in order to prepare the Russian track and field team for the Olympic Games." "The federation is fighting for the right of clean sportsmen and is waiting for a decision from CAS," ARAF added. Klishina's best performance at a senior global event was fourth at the world indoor championships in Istanbul in 2012. She has finished seventh twice at the world outdoor championships in 2013 in Moscow and in 2014 in Sopot. "The IAAF Doping Review Board has agreed that Russian long jump athlete Darya Klishina meets the exceptional eligibility criteria to compete in international competition as a neutral athlete," the IAAF said on its website. "Darya Klishina's participation as a neutral athlete in international competition is still subject to acceptance by the organiser of the competition in question, in accordance with the rules of that competition," it added. (Reuters)

IAAF turns down 67 Russian applications to compete as individuals

United States-based long jumper Darya Klishina became the first Russian athlete today to be cleared to compete at the Rio Olympics, but the fate of pole vault star Yelena Isinbayeva was still up in the air. 
 
The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), which has suspended the Russian track and field team over state-sponsored doping, said it had given the go-ahead for Klishina to compete in international competition as a &#39;neutral&#39;, ahead of the Rio Games next month. 
 
&quot;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,&quot; the IAAF said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The Doping Review Board received a total of 136 applications from Russian athletes seeking exceptional eligibility to compete in an individual capacity,&quot; the statement said.&nbsp; 
 
The Russian Olympic Committee said that of the 136 who applied to the IAAF to compete, only Klishina had been accepted.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Rejections have come for everyone, except for Klishina,&quot; Alexandra Brilliantova, the head of the Olympic Committee&#39;s legal department, told state-run TASS news agency.&nbsp; 
 
Among those rejected were gold medallist pole vaulter Isinbayeva and world champion hurdler Sergey Shubenkov, trainers for the two athletes both based in Russia confirmed. 
 
Russian track and field stars, including Isinbayeva, still hoping to go to Rio now hope that the Court of Arbitrations for Sport (CAS) will overturn the blanket ban. 
 
Russia, last month, had its suspension over allegations of institutionalised and pervasive doping upheld by the IAAF, athletics ruling body. 
 
But it left the door ajar to some Russian competitors not tainted by doping to compete as neutrals in Rio.&nbsp; 
 
CAS said Monday it will decide whether to overturn the ban by July 21, two weeks before the start of the Rio Games.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The Russian Olympic Committee said that of the 136 who applied to the IAAF to compete, only Darya Klishina had been accepted

United States-based long jumper Darya Klishina became the first Russian athlete today to be cleared to compete at the Rio Olympics, but the fate of pole vault star Yelena Isinbayeva was still up in the air. The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), which has suspended the Russian track and field team over state-sponsored doping, said it had given the go-ahead for Klishina to compete in international competition as a 'neutral', ahead of the Rio Games next month. "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," the IAAF said in a statement. "The Doping Review Board received a total of 136 applications from Russian athletes seeking exceptional eligibility to compete in an individual capacity," the statement said. The Russian Olympic Committee said that of the 136 who applied to the IAAF to compete, only Klishina had been accepted. "Rejections have come for everyone, except for Klishina," Alexandra Brilliantova, the head of the Olympic Committee's legal department, told state-run TASS news agency. Among those rejected were gold medallist pole vaulter Isinbayeva and world champion hurdler Sergey Shubenkov, trainers for the two athletes both based in Russia confirmed. Russian track and field stars, including Isinbayeva, still hoping to go to Rio now hope that the Court of Arbitrations for Sport (CAS) will overturn the blanket ban. Russia, last month, had its suspension over allegations of institutionalised and pervasive doping upheld by the IAAF, athletics ruling body. But it left the door ajar to some Russian competitors not tainted by doping to compete as neutrals in Rio. CAS said Monday it will decide whether to overturn the ban by July 21, two weeks before the start of the Rio Games. (AFP)

Darya?Klishina only Russian athlete to be cleared to compete as 'neutral' at Rio 2016

Russian doping whistleblower Yulia Stepanova&#39;s application to compete as an individual athlete has been accepted, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said today. 
 
The former drugs cheat&#39;s revelations helped to expose the massive doping problem in her country and the middle-distance runner left Russia and went into hiding after disclosing the issue. 
 
Stepanova could now make a comeback as soon as July 6 in the 800m after European Athletics approved her participation at the continental championships in Amsterdam. 
 
The IAAF said its doping review board unanimously accepted Stepanova&#39;s application and that they had received more than 80 formal requests from Russian athletes seeking exceptional eligibility to compete in an individual capacity. 
 
&quot;Stepanova is now eligible to compete in international competitions as an independent neutral athlete,&quot; the IAAF said in a statement. 
 
European Athletics reiterated the IAAF&#39;s views and said it recognised Stepanova&#39;s &quot;exceptional contribution to the protection and promotion of clean athletes&quot; and cleared her to compete in Amsterdam next week. 
 
&quot;If Stepanova takes her place in Amsterdam, she will compete under the European Athletics flag and is scheduled to compete in the first round of the women&#39;s 800m on Wednesday 6 July,&quot; European Athletics said in a statement. 
 
It was still unclear, however, if the middle distance runner would now be eligible to compete at the Rio Olympics, with the IAAF saying it was up to organisers to decide. 
 
&quot;Ms Stepanova&#39;s participation as a neutral athlete in international competition is still subject to acceptance by the organiser of the competition in question, in accordance with the rules of that competition,&quot; the IAAF said. 
 
Russian track and field athletes are suspended from competing anywhere after a series of reports, triggered by Stepanova&#39;s revelations, painted a picture of systematic doping in the country and led to the launch of several investigations. 
 
The IAAF has said only some Russian track and field athletes fulfilling exceptional criteria, including repeated drugs testing outside Russia, can take part in the Rio Games under a neutral flag. 
 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, insists any Russian track and field athlete cleared to compete in the Games starting on Aug. 5 would do so under the country&#39;s flag, appeasing Moscow in the run-up to the Rio Games. 
 
More than 65 Russian athletes have since filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, saying they should not be punished along with drugs cheats. 
 
Earlier this month, the IOC said while it was the international federation that was in charge of determining eligibility, it was the Olympic committee of each country that called up the team, overruling the IAAF over the flag issue. 
 
(Reuters)

Stepanova's revelations exposed massive doping in the country, leading to suspension of several Russian athletes

Russian doping whistleblower Yulia Stepanova's application to compete as an individual athlete has been accepted, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said today. The former drugs cheat's revelations helped to expose the massive doping problem in her country and the middle-distance runner left Russia and went into hiding after disclosing the issue. Stepanova could now make a comeback as soon as July 6 in the 800m after European Athletics approved her participation at the continental championships in Amsterdam. The IAAF said its doping review board unanimously accepted Stepanova's application and that they had received more than 80 formal requests from Russian athletes seeking exceptional eligibility to compete in an individual capacity. "Stepanova is now eligible to compete in international competitions as an independent neutral athlete," the IAAF said in a statement. European Athletics reiterated the IAAF's views and said it recognised Stepanova's "exceptional contribution to the protection and promotion of clean athletes" and cleared her to compete in Amsterdam next week. "If Stepanova takes her place in Amsterdam, she will compete under the European Athletics flag and is scheduled to compete in the first round of the women's 800m on Wednesday 6 July," European Athletics said in a statement. It was still unclear, however, if the middle distance runner would now be eligible to compete at the Rio Olympics, with the IAAF saying it was up to organisers to decide. "Ms Stepanova's participation as a neutral athlete in international competition is still subject to acceptance by the organiser of the competition in question, in accordance with the rules of that competition," the IAAF said. Russian track and field athletes are suspended from competing anywhere after a series of reports, triggered by Stepanova's revelations, painted a picture of systematic doping in the country and led to the launch of several investigations. The IAAF has said only some Russian track and field athletes fulfilling exceptional criteria, including repeated drugs testing outside Russia, can take part in the Rio Games under a neutral flag. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, insists any Russian track and field athlete cleared to compete in the Games starting on Aug. 5 would do so under the country's flag, appeasing Moscow in the run-up to the Rio Games. More than 65 Russian athletes have since filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, saying they should not be punished along with drugs cheats. Earlier this month, the IOC said while it was the international federation that was in charge of determining eligibility, it was the Olympic committee of each country that called up the team, overruling the IAAF over the flag issue. (Reuters)

IAAF: Russian doping whistleblower Stepanova eligible to compete as independent neutral in Rio

World athletics federation IAAF has&nbsp;come closer to destroying sport in Russia than helping it develop by suspending the country&#39;s track and field team over doping offences, the Russian sport minister said. 
 
First imposed in November, the IAAF ban was extended on Friday and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Saturday. 
 
&quot;I have written an open letter to (the IAAF)... If you are an organisation whose aim is to develop athletics then you have done everything to destroy it,&quot; Vitaly Mutko told Reuters in an interview. 
 
Russian track and field athletes had not participated in international competitions in January. 
 
&quot;I, on behalf of the state, cannot finance the country&#39;s national team. That means all this is falling apart. Next, I cannot finance the training centre, all these are closing down. The young athletes do not have any motivation,&quot; Mutko said. 
 
Individual Russian track and field athletes assessed as clean will be able to compete for their country in Brazil, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Tuesday, diluting the IAAF&#39;s ban. 
 
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach also said all competitors from both Russia and Kenya would, given their countries&#39; recent history of doping, have to be screened individually before being allowed to participate in the Games. 
 
He did not elaborate on what the evaluation would include. 
 
The Russian track and field team remains suspended from Rio de Janeiro after the IOC supported the ban, for systemic doping, which world athletics federation IAAF had extended on Friday. 
 
But Bach, speaking at the end of a summit on doping, offered a limited number of Russian athletes the chance to race under their flag. 
 
In a decision welcomed by the sports ministry in Moscow, he said those cleared by the IAAF or the Court of Arbitration for Sport as clean and eligible would be able to compete in Brazil. 
 
The unsatisfactory record of anti-doping bodies in Russia, as well as Kenya, had put &quot;very serious doubts on the presumption of innocence&quot; of their athletes, Bach said. 
 
But they had the right of appeal and &quot;if there are (Russian) athletes qualified then they will compete as members of the Russian Olympic Committee team,&quot; he told reporters. 
 
The IAAF had said on Friday that any Russian athlete would have to compete under a neutral flag, a recommendation it reiterated on Tuesday following Bach&#39;s comments. 
 
&quot;This decision has been unequivocally supported across sport and the IOC Summit today unanimously agreed to fully respect the IAAF decision,&quot; the federation said in a statement. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

However, Russia's sports minister has said that the suspensions are destroying sport in the country

World athletics federation IAAF has come closer to destroying sport in Russia than helping it develop by suspending the country's track and field team over doping offences, the Russian sport minister said. First imposed in November, the IAAF ban was extended on Friday and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Saturday. "I have written an open letter to (the IAAF)... If you are an organisation whose aim is to develop athletics then you have done everything to destroy it," Vitaly Mutko told Reuters in an interview. Russian track and field athletes had not participated in international competitions in January. "I, on behalf of the state, cannot finance the country's national team. That means all this is falling apart. Next, I cannot finance the training centre, all these are closing down. The young athletes do not have any motivation," Mutko said. Individual Russian track and field athletes assessed as clean will be able to compete for their country in Brazil, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Tuesday, diluting the IAAF's ban. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach also said all competitors from both Russia and Kenya would, given their countries' recent history of doping, have to be screened individually before being allowed to participate in the Games. He did not elaborate on what the evaluation would include. The Russian track and field team remains suspended from Rio de Janeiro after the IOC supported the ban, for systemic doping, which world athletics federation IAAF had extended on Friday. But Bach, speaking at the end of a summit on doping, offered a limited number of Russian athletes the chance to race under their flag. In a decision welcomed by the sports ministry in Moscow, he said those cleared by the IAAF or the Court of Arbitration for Sport as clean and eligible would be able to compete in Brazil. The unsatisfactory record of anti-doping bodies in Russia, as well as Kenya, had put "very serious doubts on the presumption of innocence" of their athletes, Bach said. But they had the right of appeal and "if there are (Russian) athletes qualified then they will compete as members of the Russian Olympic Committee team," he told reporters. The IAAF had said on Friday that any Russian athlete would have to compete under a neutral flag, a recommendation it reiterated on Tuesday following Bach's comments. "This decision has been unequivocally supported across sport and the IOC Summit today unanimously agreed to fully respect the IAAF decision," the federation said in a statement. (Reuters)

IOC offers Rio lifeline to Russian track and field athletes

Craig Reedie, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, indicated today that he would be prepared to back a complete ban for the entire Russia team from August&#39;s Olympic Games in Rio. 
 
The founding president of WADA, Dick Pound, told Britain&#39;s Sunday Times newspaper that such a ban was &quot;not impossible&quot;. 
 
Friday saw the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) uphold an international ban on Russia&#39;s track and field competitors first imposed in November after a WADA team led by veteran Canadian sports administrator Pound revealed state-sponsored doping and mass corruption in Russian athletics.&nbsp; 
 
The Russia team is now ruled out of all events in athletics in Rio, although Russian athletes training outside the country can apply to compete as neutrals at the August 5-21 event in Brazil. 
 
The IAAF&#39;s decision was endorsed by the International Olympic Committee on Saturday. 
 
But there are fears that the scale of Russia&#39;s breaking of doping rules extend beyond just track and field. 
 
In May, WADA set up a new investigation under Professor Richard McLaren, a Canadian law professor and longstanding member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), into allegations of state-backed doping at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia. 
 
Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of the Russian lab now living in Los Angeles, also gave an interview to the New York Times last month in which he said he switched tainted urine samples for clean ones at the doping lab used for the Sochi Games, with help from people he believed to be officers of the Russian security services. 
 
McLaren, who is due to deliver his full report by July 15, said in a preliminary statement on Friday he had evidence that Russia&#39;s Ministry of Sport was involved in instructing a Moscow laboratory to &quot;not report positive sample results over the period before, during and after&quot; the 2013 World Athletics Championships. 
 
&quot;In the coming weeks, we will learn the outcome of our independent McLaren investigation,&quot; Reedie, speaking at the WADA symposium at London`s Lord&#39;s Cricket Ground, said Monday. 
 
&quot;If his report indicates transgressions of any kind, then there will be a precedent-setting opportunity to demonstrate our collective commitment to cleaning up sport,&quot; added the veteran British sports administrator, who reiterated WADA&#39;s support for the IAAF ban on Russia. 
 
&quot;The world will be watching.&quot; 
 
Reedie said the fact anti-doping laboratories in Beijing, Bloemfontein, Lisbon, Madrid and Moscow had all had their WADA accreditation suspended was proof that the organisation had taken &quot;decisive action&quot; by hearing the &quot;strength of the athlete&#39;s voice&quot; in insisting labs maintain the &quot;highest standards&quot;. 
 
This, said Reedie, was all part of &quot;levelling the playing field for each and every athlete competing in Rio&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile Reedie repeated his calls for increased WADA funding from national governments and also suggested that, for the first time, broadcasters and media rights-holders might want to contribute to the budget. 
 
Reedie said WADA was &quot;punching above its weight&quot; on a budget of less than $30 million a year, which he noted was less than the annual income of Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova, recently banned for a doping violation. 
 
Reedie added that 0.5 per cent of the worldwide sports television rights market would produce a WADA budget of $175 million and that it was in the rights-holders&#39; interest to promote clean sport. 
 
Russian President Vladmir Putin&nbsp;has labelled the IAAF&#39;s ban on his country&#39;s athletes as &quot;unjust and unfair&quot;. 
 
But IAAF president Sebastian Coe, who won Olympic 1500 metres gold and 800m silver for Great Britain at the 1980 Moscow Games, wrote in Britain&#39;s Sunday Telegraph: &quot;We have not prevented clean athletes from Russia from competing, rather the Russian system has cataclysmically failed their clean athletes.&quot; 
(AFP)

Russian athletes training outside the country can apply to compete as neutrals at the August event in Brazil

Craig Reedie, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, indicated today that he would be prepared to back a complete ban for the entire Russia team from August's Olympic Games in Rio. The founding president of WADA, Dick Pound, told Britain's Sunday Times newspaper that such a ban was "not impossible". Friday saw the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) uphold an international ban on Russia's track and field competitors first imposed in November after a WADA team led by veteran Canadian sports administrator Pound revealed state-sponsored doping and mass corruption in Russian athletics. The Russia team is now ruled out of all events in athletics in Rio, although Russian athletes training outside the country can apply to compete as neutrals at the August 5-21 event in Brazil. The IAAF's decision was endorsed by the International Olympic Committee on Saturday. But there are fears that the scale of Russia's breaking of doping rules extend beyond just track and field. In May, WADA set up a new investigation under Professor Richard McLaren, a Canadian law professor and longstanding member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), into allegations of state-backed doping at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia. Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of the Russian lab now living in Los Angeles, also gave an interview to the New York Times last month in which he said he switched tainted urine samples for clean ones at the doping lab used for the Sochi Games, with help from people he believed to be officers of the Russian security services. McLaren, who is due to deliver his full report by July 15, said in a preliminary statement on Friday he had evidence that Russia's Ministry of Sport was involved in instructing a Moscow laboratory to "not report positive sample results over the period before, during and after" the 2013 World Athletics Championships. "In the coming weeks, we will learn the outcome of our independent McLaren investigation," Reedie, speaking at the WADA symposium at London`s Lord's Cricket Ground, said Monday. "If his report indicates transgressions of any kind, then there will be a precedent-setting opportunity to demonstrate our collective commitment to cleaning up sport," added the veteran British sports administrator, who reiterated WADA's support for the IAAF ban on Russia. "The world will be watching." Reedie said the fact anti-doping laboratories in Beijing, Bloemfontein, Lisbon, Madrid and Moscow had all had their WADA accreditation suspended was proof that the organisation had taken "decisive action" by hearing the "strength of the athlete's voice" in insisting labs maintain the "highest standards". This, said Reedie, was all part of "levelling the playing field for each and every athlete competing in Rio". Meanwhile Reedie repeated his calls for increased WADA funding from national governments and also suggested that, for the first time, broadcasters and media rights-holders might want to contribute to the budget. Reedie said WADA was "punching above its weight" on a budget of less than $30 million a year, which he noted was less than the annual income of Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova, recently banned for a doping violation. Reedie added that 0.5 per cent of the worldwide sports television rights market would produce a WADA budget of $175 million and that it was in the rights-holders' interest to promote clean sport. Russian President Vladmir Putin has labelled the IAAF's ban on his country's athletes as "unjust and unfair". But IAAF president Sebastian Coe, who won Olympic 1500 metres gold and 800m silver for Great Britain at the 1980 Moscow Games, wrote in Britain's Sunday Telegraph: "We have not prevented clean athletes from Russia from competing, rather the Russian system has cataclysmically failed their clean athletes." (AFP)

World Anti-Doping Agency prepared to ban entire Russian team from Rio Olympics

The International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates said on Saturday the committee is unlikely to overturn world athletics&#39; ban on the Russian track and field team at the Rio de Janeiro Games. 
 
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Friday nanimously upheld its ban on Russian athletes competing at international competitions due to state-sponsored doping. 
 
Russia has cried foul over the ban and President Vladimir Putin said he hoped for an &quot;appropriate response&quot; from the IOC. 
 
Coates, also president of the Australian Olympic Committee, said he would be &quot;very surprised&quot; if the IOC tried to overturn the ban at a summit on Tuesday, in Lausanne, where the Olympic body is due to discuss the matter. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s an international federation&#39;s right to suspend a national federation and I don&#39;t think we would overturn that at all, I&#39;d be very surprised,&quot; Coates told reporters in Melbourne. 
 
IAAF president Sebastian Coe said on Friday his governing body had the last word on athletes&#39; eligibility to compete at international events. 
 
Also talking was Jared Tallent, who won silver in the 50km walk at the 2012 London Olympic Games, but has now been boosted to the gold medal. The first man across the line in 2012, Russia&#39;s Sergey Kirdyapkin, received a ban for doping by the Russian anti-doping agency which excluded his 2012 gold medal, and would have allowed him to defend his title in Rio. 
 
In March the IAAF instructed the IOC to strip him of his gold medal and, as a Russian, he will not be at Rio. 
 
On Friday Tallent received his 2012 gold medal from John Coates at a ceremony in Melbourne. Tallent said the extension of the ban was important for his sport in Rio. 
 
&quot;It will change the way the races, in my event particularly, are raced. Athletes will now, who probably thought they&#39;d never had a chance before to win a medal, will now believe they&#39;ve got a chance to win a medal. It&#39;s a very positive day for the event. I&#39;m now very much looking forward to racing in Rio with other clean athletes and seeing who&#39;s the best out of those guys,&quot; Tallent told reporters. 
 
Australian 2016 Olympic team Chef De Mission Kitty Chiller welcomed the decision too but indicated there is still work to do by the IAAF and IOC. 
 
&quot;The steps that have been taken by the IAAF in this instance, by the IOC, to continue absolute zero tolerance to doping is good, it&#39;s a positive step. Is it going to be 100 percent clean in Rio? No, it&#39;s not going to be but at least steps are being taken now, the retesting of samples. Everything is moving in the right direction,&quot; Chiller said. 
(Reuters)

IAAF has the last word on athletes' eligibility to compete at international events, federation president Sebastian Coe said

The International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates said on Saturday the committee is unlikely to overturn world athletics' ban on the Russian track and field team at the Rio de Janeiro Games. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Friday nanimously upheld its ban on Russian athletes competing at international competitions due to state-sponsored doping. Russia has cried foul over the ban and President Vladimir Putin said he hoped for an "appropriate response" from the IOC. Coates, also president of the Australian Olympic Committee, said he would be "very surprised" if the IOC tried to overturn the ban at a summit on Tuesday, in Lausanne, where the Olympic body is due to discuss the matter. "It's an international federation's right to suspend a national federation and I don't think we would overturn that at all, I'd be very surprised," Coates told reporters in Melbourne. IAAF president Sebastian Coe said on Friday his governing body had the last word on athletes' eligibility to compete at international events. Also talking was Jared Tallent, who won silver in the 50km walk at the 2012 London Olympic Games, but has now been boosted to the gold medal. The first man across the line in 2012, Russia's Sergey Kirdyapkin, received a ban for doping by the Russian anti-doping agency which excluded his 2012 gold medal, and would have allowed him to defend his title in Rio. In March the IAAF instructed the IOC to strip him of his gold medal and, as a Russian, he will not be at Rio. On Friday Tallent received his 2012 gold medal from John Coates at a ceremony in Melbourne. Tallent said the extension of the ban was important for his sport in Rio. "It will change the way the races, in my event particularly, are raced. Athletes will now, who probably thought they'd never had a chance before to win a medal, will now believe they've got a chance to win a medal. It's a very positive day for the event. I'm now very much looking forward to racing in Rio with other clean athletes and seeing who's the best out of those guys," Tallent told reporters. Australian 2016 Olympic team Chef De Mission Kitty Chiller welcomed the decision too but indicated there is still work to do by the IAAF and IOC. "The steps that have been taken by the IAAF in this instance, by the IOC, to continue absolute zero tolerance to doping is good, it's a positive step. Is it going to be 100 percent clean in Rio? No, it's not going to be but at least steps are being taken now, the retesting of samples. Everything is moving in the right direction," Chiller said. (Reuters)

IOC vice-president says interference with IAAF ban is unlikely

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