Olympic Games: Paralympics: IPC confirms suspension of Russian athletes

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has confirmed the suspension of Russian athletes for the time being. A final decision as to whether a Russian team will participate in the Paralympics in Pyeongchang from 09. till 18.

In addition, the IPC decided that Russian athletes can participate as neutral athletes in the four sports of alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing and snowboarding in the qualifying competitions for the Paralympics. This gives the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) the opportunity to nominate its athletes for the Games in South Korea if the suspension is lifted by the IPC.

“Although the IPC Bureau recognises the cooperation and progress with the RPC, it agrees in its decision to maintain the suspension,” said new IPC President Andrew Parsons:”The recovery criteria have not yet been fully met.

The IPC demands five criteria for lifting the blockade. These include, among other things, the complete resumption of the Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA by the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA and official recognition of the McLaren Report, which certifies Russia’s institutionalised doping system.

“To our growing disappointment and frustration, there is no progress in an official response to the McLaren report. If the Russian authorities believe that the findings and evidence are not credible, they should themselves provide evidence and explanations against it. That hasn’t happened yet,”Parsons said.

At the Paralympics 2016 in Rio, the IPC did not admit any Russian athletes. For the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang (9. till 25. February) the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled Russia out at the beginning of December, but wants to give the Russian athletes a start as “neutral athletes” under certain conditions.