The Olympics Just Banned Russia Over Doping

Nation's athletes can compete as individuals at the Winter Games in South Korea
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 5, 2017 1:19 PM CST
You Won't See Russia's Flag at the Next Olympics
In this Feb. 18, 2014, file photo, a Russian skating fan holds the country's flag over the Olympic rings at the 2014 Sochi Games.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Two big things will be missing from the Winter Olympics this February in South Korea: Russia's flag and the sound of its national anthem. The International Olympic Committee on Tuesday banned Russia because of doping in previous competitions believed to have been sanctioned by the Kremlin, reports the Washington Post. All is not lost for Russian athletes, however. Some will still be allowed to compete, but as individuals. They would be officially listed as an Olympic Athlete From Russia (OAR), reports the AP. Still unclear: whether Russia will order its athletes to boycott instead. The IOC also fined Russia $15 million. (More Russia stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X