IOC backs IAAF Russian ban but gives chances to some athletes

The International Olympic Committee has backed the previous ban of Russian track and field athletes by IAAF, but says individual athletes could be cleared to compete at the Rio Games under their own flag.

The IOC and the world track and field governing body have different opinions over the terms of participation of any Russian athletes cleared to compete at the Aug. 5-21 games.

While upholding IAAF's decision to ban Russia's track team for systematic doping, Olympic leaders did not accept the federation's position on a key issue: that a neutral flag would represent the few athletes given dispensation to apply to compete if they live outside Russia and have undergone rigorous testing.

IOC President Thomas Bach said if any Russians are deemed eligible by the IAAF, they would compete under the Russian flag.

"If there are athletes qualified, then they will compete as members of the team of the Russian Olympic Committee because only a national Olympic committee can enter athletes to the Olympic Games," Bach said. "There are no teams of international federations there. And the Russian Olympic Committee is not suspended."

However, in response the IAAF said Tuesday in a statement that it would "now work with the IOC to ensure the decision is respected and implemented in full." Endit