PYEONGCHANG — The International Olympic Committee’s executive board recommended Sunday to uphold a ban on Russia’s Olympic federation, a decision that would prevent Russian athletes from marching in the Closing Ceremonies with their tricolour flag. “Olympic Athlete from Russia,” their uniforms said, and they couldn’t brandish the Russian flag, post about Russia on social media or complain publicly about the ban. I know he reported to Putin — he told me that.”Rodchenkov said that reinstating Russia would be the IOC’s “worst decision.”Missing many of its top athletes, Russia has struggled at the Pyeongchang Games. Olympic Athletes from Russia have won a combined 16 medals and just one gold. After the IOC almost three months ago announced the penalties against Russia, many athletes were uncertain about whether they could compete.

Source: National Post February 25, 2018 02:48 UTC