22:34, 12-Dec-2017
2018 Winter Olympics: Russian Olympic Committee approves athletes competing as neutrals
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The Russian Olympic Committee has formally given its blessing for the country's athletes to compete under a neutral flag at the upcoming Pyeongchang Games.
ALEXANDER ZHUKOV, PRESIDENT RUSSIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE "Russian athletes have expressed their readiness to participate in the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, despite the difficult conditions and the decision of the International Olympic Committee which is, of course, in many ways unjust. And this was also highlighted in today's speeches."
The International Olympic Committee announced sanctions on Russia last week. Russian athletes will compete under the flag as "Olympic Athletes from Russia". A move President Vladimir Putin also agreed to. The IOC will invite some Russians to compete as individual athletes. They will still be screened, however, which will also examine their history of drug testing.