IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics

[Jimbuna]

Russia has been banned from competing at next year's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang by the International Olympic Committee.

But Russian athletes who can prove they are clean would be allowed to compete in South Korea under a neutral flag.

It follows an investigation into allegations of state-sponsored doping at the 2014 Games hosted by Russia in Sochi.

"This should draw a line under this damaging episode," the IOC said.

The decision has been widely condemned in Russia, with some politicians urging a boycott of the Games, though other officials have welcomed the chance for 'clean' athletes to take part.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/winter-sports/42242007

I can't say I'm all that surprised when you consider the scale and level it is believed to be at but at least there is a way forward for those that can prove they are 'clean'.

[nikimcbee]

No Russian hockey? Are they drawing players from the NHL again, I don't pay attention to this stuff? If they are drawing from the NHL, aren't they drug tested already?

[Jimbuna]

As far as I'm aware the problem is across most if not all disciplines and is believed to be state sponsored systematic drug taking.

[u crank]

No Russian hockey? Are they drawing players from the NHL again, I don't pay attention to this stuff? If they are drawing from the NHL, aren't they drug tested already?

No they are not. It's kinda old news.

The NHL announced Monday that it will not participate in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, ending a run of five consecutive Winter Olympics with NHL players.

"We have previously made clear that while the overwhelming majority of our clubs are adamantly opposed to disrupting the 2017-18 NHL season for purposes of accommodating Olympic participation by some NHL players

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-will-not-participate-in-2018-winter-olympics/c-288385598

That announcement was made April 2017.

That being said, Canada will send a team of non NHL players as would other countries. I for one will have little to no interest in watching Olympic hockey without the best players competing.

I don't blame the NHL's decision to not allow players to compete either. A 17-day break in the schedule required in February and injuries to players competing are good enough reasons and NHL fans understand that.

[Jimbuna]

It is now being reported that Putin will not stand in the way of any athletes competing under the olympic flag.