World Athletics approves applications for 18 Russian athletes to compete as neutrals, but not at the World Championships
Russian athletes have been banned from participating in the upcoming World Championships in Athletics in Oregon, despite the fact that World Athletics approved the applications of 18 Russian sports stars to compete under a neutral flag.
World Athletics announced that the Russians will not be able to compete in the event that will take place from July 15 to 24 due to what they say is a “consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” adding that newly approved neutral athletes will also be excluded from the event.
The decision is in line with a previous statement by World Athletics that athletes from Russia and Belarus will be indefinitely suspended from events due to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine that began in late February.
The ban, which was announced by World Athletics on March 1, prevented Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing at that month’s World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade.
Prior to this, Russian athletes had been allowed to compete as Authorized Neutral Athletes (ANA), while the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) served a suspension amid allegations of doping networks operating within the country. This was first introduced in 2015.
So far, 73 Russian athletes have been confirmed as sanctioned neutral athletes so far this year, with World Athletics announcing another 18 this week.
Among the latest additions are pole vaulters Dmitrii Kachanov and Viktor Pintusov, with the full roster posted on the official World Athletics website.
“In approving these 18 applications, the Doping Review Board noted that, in accordance with World Athletics’ decision of March 1, 2022, all Russian athletes, support personnel and officials were excluded from all World Athletics events. World Series of Athletics for the foreseeable future as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” World Athletics said in a statement.
“Furthermore, the Wanda Diamond League subsequently made the decision to exclude Russian athletes from competing in their matches.”
“In addition, the Doping Review Board understands that the individual organizers of the Continental Tour are not inviting Russian athletes to their meetings.”
“ANA athletes remain eligible to compete in other international competitions to the extent such competitions are open to athletes from Russia.”
Russia has faced a wide range of sporting sanctions from various federations in recent months, including the removal of its hosting rights for the 2022 Champions League final, as well as the effective exclusion of the Russian national team from the This year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Wimbledon tennis bosses also refused to allow players from Russia or Belarus to take part in this year’s Grand Slam event in London.