Russia ban lift would be astonishing: AA

Athletics Australia chief executive Jones reiterated the Australian federation's concerns over Russian doping in light of a new damning WADA report.

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Source: Reuters

Athletics Australia boss Phil Jones would be "astonished" if Russian athletes were allowed to compete at the Rio Olympics given the latest doping revelations.

A damning new report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) states 736 drug tests between February and May were declined or cancelled by Russian athletes.

The report gave several examples of widespread efforts to avoid testing, alleging some competitors hid in difficult-to-access military zones where armed agents would intimidate doping control officers.

It also detailed how one athlete had been caught trying to provide a urine sample using a container inserted into her body.

The developments came two days before the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules on Friday (Saturday AEST) whether Russian competitors will be allowed to compete in the Rio Olympics.

Russia was suspended from all athletics competitions in November after a WADA report revealed widespread state-sponsored doping.

The world governing body's new claims will do Russia's case for reinstatement no favours.

AA chief executive Jones reiterated the Australian organisation's concerns less than two months out from the Rio Games.

"The IAAF Council plans to make a decision on re-admittance in Vienna tomorrow and we believe the IAAF Taskforce established to determine compliance is best placed to make an appropriate recommendation," Jones said in a statement.

"However, we would be astonished, given the extent of the systemic doping regime uncovered, if Russia has been able to satisfy Rune Andersen and his fellow taskforce members that they have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that they are WADA code compliant.

"Athletics Australia will continue to press the IAAF to ensure that all possible steps are taken to ensure a level playing field for all athletes."

The IAAF's decision will also be made hours after Australian racewalker and anti-doping campaigner Jared Tallent is presented with his long-awaited Olympic gold medal in Melbourne on Friday.

Tallent was beaten by Russian drug cheat Sergey Kirdyapkin in the 50-kilometre walk at the London 2012 Games, but Kirdyapkin has since been stripped of his gold.


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Source: AAP



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