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Russia Olympic Committee Suspension Lifted

Russia Olympic Committee Suspension Lifted
Russia Olympic Committee Suspension Lifted

The suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) has been lifted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday, according to reports in the Russian media.

The decision was announced by ROC President Alexander Zhukov, who said that the remaining doping tests on the neutral Olympic Athletes From Russia (OAR) team had come back negative, Insidethegames website reported.

Russia was suspended and forced to compete under the OAR name at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Games this month due to the “systemic manipulation” of the anti-doping regime at Sochi 2014.

Two failed drug tests by Russian athletes at Pyeongchang 2018 proved key in the suspension not being lifted in time for the closing ceremony.

An IOC Executive Board ruling on December 5 had said that the ban could be lifted before the closing ceremony - meaning Russian athletes could march under their own flag - so long as they have honored the “letter and spirit” of eligibility requirements.

Nicole Hoevertsz, who chaired the OAR implementation group, claimed the suspension could be lifted between 48 to 72 hours after the closing ceremony, which took place on February 25.

Her group recommended the suspension be lifted immediately once the IOC receives notification that there has been no further positive doping cases involving any of its athletes.

“Today we received a letter from the IOC about the restoration,” said Zhukov. The restoration of the ROC was connected with the end of the doping tests from the Olympics in Pyeongchang, the IOC can confirm that all other results are negative. It means that the ROC is fully restored in its rights.”

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