IOC President Bach Expects Russia to Compete at Rio 2016

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach says he expects Russian athletics to comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) regulations in time for their athletes to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

An Independent Commission set up by WADA released a report on Monday recommending the banning of the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) from competition due to corruption by Russian official such as the covering up of positive drug tests.

In an interview with New Zealand television on Wednesday, Bach would not speculate on whether Russian athletes would be banned from the Games and said it was up to the IAAF to decide on any necessary sanctions.

“I will not speculate on this,” Bach said. “Now we have this inquiry about athletics, the international federation will draw its conclusion and will take the necessary measures.“

The IOC president also offered his full backing to IAAF president Seb Coe and believes he will do all he can to clean up the image of the sport and the damage that’s been done. 

“We’re convinced that the president, Sebastian Coe, will do whatever is necessary,” Bach added.

“I think also Russia will cooperate to make progress and to be sure that Russian athletics are compliant with Wada. This is what it needs to be in order to participate in the Olympic Games.”

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