“Over the past three years the IAAF has shown to be the beacon of hope for all sports organizations by taking a lead in addressing doping, standing up for clean athletes by suspending Russia, setting up the truly independent and pioneering Athletics Integrity Unit, and consistently pursuing cases for dopers of Russia’s state-sponsored doping regime. Following the IOC and WADA’s cowardly decision to reinstate Russia through a last minute, secretive back room deal, the IAAF’s decision to keep Russia suspended is a refreshing reminder that anti-doping decision-making should always be built on principles. We all hope a clean Russia returns to the international sporting community, but not at the expense of clean athletes and not at the expense of the Olympic values. Let’s hope this outcome continues to ensure lasting change and the right outcome – that is what clean athletes, governments and sports fans all across the world deserve and expect, now more than ever.”
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