IAAF Approves the Application of Seven Russians to Compete Internationally as Neutral Athletes

The IAAF Doping Review Board has agreed that the applications of seven Russians have met the exceptional eligibility criteria to compete in international competition as neutral athletes under competition Rule 22.1A(b) while the Russian national federation (RusAF) remains suspended.

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)

Yana Smerdova (race walks)

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.

In total this year 10 applications have been approved and 17 have been declined.

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."

Since publication of updated guidelines under Rule 22.1A(b) earlier this year, the IAAF has received about 100 applications from Russian athletes, 38 of which have been endorsed by their national federation RusAF. A number of these applications remain under review by the Doping Review Board in accordance with the guidelines while stored samples continue to be re-analysed and the athletes referenced in the Independent Person's report published last December continue to be assessed in consultation with experts.

This being an ongoing process, the IAAF will only make announcements as and when decisions are made by the Doping Review Board concerning successful applications and those athletes have been duly informed.

Please note:

A total of five Russian athletes (three in 2017 and two in 2016) have previously been declared eligible under Rule 22.1A to compete as neutral athletes and they remain eligible to compete in international competition subject to acceptance by individual meeting organisers:

(Date of announcement and athlete/event)

23 February 2017: Anzhelika Sidorova (pole vault), Kristina Sivkova (sprints), Aleksei Sokirskii (hammer throw);

9 July 2016: Darya Klishina (long jump);

1 July 2016: Yuliya Stepanova (800m/1500m).

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only