PYEONGCHANG (SOUTH KOREA) - Russian athletes will not be able to march behind their flag at the Pyeongchang Winter Games closing ceremony after the IOC voted unanimously to keep the country's ban for mass doping. They were representing "Olympic Athletes from Russia" under strict guidelines including a ban on Russia's national flag, national colours and the Russian national anthem. The IOC "could have considered lifting the suspension given that the Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) had respected the IOC's decision of December 5," IOC president Thomas Bach said. "However, two Russian athletes tested positive for doping here in Pyeongchang. "This was hugely disappointing and does not permit the IOC to envisage lifting the suspension of Russia for the closing ceremony."

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2018 04:18 UTC