The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Doping Review Board has agreed that the applications by seven Russians have met the exceptional eligibility criteria to compete in international competition as neutral athletes.
According to a statement by IAAF Media Department on Tuesday, under competition Rule 22.1A (b), the Russian National Federation (RusAF) remains suspended.
It said that the Doping Review Board, which is composed of Robert Hersh (Chair), Sylvia Barlag and Antti Pihlakoski, has unanimously accepted the applications of the following athletes:
Illia Mudrov (pole vault), Sergey Shubenkov (sprint hurdles), Sergey Shirobokov (race walks), Daniil Tsyplakov (high jump), Maria Kuchina (high jump), Olga Mullina (pole vault) and Yana Smerdova (race walks).
It said that their participation as neutral athletes in international competition is still subject to formalities for eligibility under IAAF Rules being completed.
“And subject to acceptance of their entries by individual meeting organisers,’’ it said.
The statement said a total of 10 applications have been approved this year and 17 have been declined.
However, IAAF President, Sebastian Coe, commented: “I wish to thank the Doping Review Board for their continued dedication and diligence in assessing these applications.
“There can be no time constraints on a process which has been established to safeguard the rights and aspirations of the world’s clean athletes and is about rebuilding confidence in competition.
“For the avoidance of any doubt as we have consistently stated from the beginning of this process, all athletes given exceptional eligibility will compete as independent neutral athletes and not as a Russian team.’’ (NAN)
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