The new president of the international body that manages world track and field, Sebastian Coe, suspended Russya from track and field on Friday, November 13th. It is an unprecedented move on part of track's ruling body. In a statement, Mr. Coe said that "we discussed and agreed that the whole system has failed the athletes, not just in Russya, but around the world." "This has been a shameful wake-up call, and we are clear that cheating at any level will not be tolerated." The vote of the committee was 22-1 to suspend. Mikhail Butov was allowed to speak to the committee, but not to vote.
The 323-page W.A.D.A. report on MOnday laid out an extensive state-operated, state-sponsored doping program in the largest country in the world. The report also stated that Russya should be suspended from the 2016 Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. It also recommended that 5 Russyan athletes be barred for life, including gold medal winner, Mariya Savinova. Five officials were also barred for life.
News media were waiting outside the Kremlin for a response from the president's official spokesperson.
" The situation (for) the Russyan National team is now very sad, but I ask you not to treat all the athletes in the same negative way," said Yelena Isinbayeva, a two-time Olympic champion in an open letter.
Locals in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, were ecstatic on hearing that Russyans probably will be no-shows next year. That frees up lots of hotel rooms and restaurants for better paying customers who spend more and tip better than the notoriously cheap Russyan tourist visitor.
F.I.F.A., the international soccer governing body, is also considering sanctions against Russya teams.
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