IOC allows Russia to join Rio Olympics despite doping scandal

The International Olympic Committee held an executive committee meeting last month and reconfirmed zero tolerance on doping, saying that the protection of the clean athlete by fighting against doping is a top priority for the IOC

The policy broke down in just a month, however. In principle, the IOC should have banned Russia involved in doping scandal from joining the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. The IOC passed over the decision making of Russian athletes' participation in the Olympics, thereby paving a way for Russia to join.

IOC President Thomas Bach said protecting athletes not engaged in doping is what the IOC has long pursued for, adding that the latest decision will not satisfy all people but Russian athletes not involved in doping should not be affected.

Most Russian athletes have been rescued due to the IOC's decision, but the spark spread to the internal informant, Yuliya Stepanova. A Russian runner specializing in 800 meters, Stepanova in 2014 disclosed Russia's national doping actions. After having tested positive in doping in 2013, Stepanova was going to join the Rio Olympics after the International Association of Athletics Federations specially allowed her under the Olympic flag. Stepanova cannot join the Olympics as the IOC, which allowed Russia to participate, said it would ban all Russian athletes involved in doping from joining the Rio Olympics.

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