In light of recent issues with widespread doping in Russia, the FIG is concerned about the potential for a blanket ban of all Russian athletes from the Rio Olympics and strongly believes that artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline gymnasts cannot be judged based on other sports.

Earlier this month, U.S. and Canadian anti-doping leaders drafted a letter to urge the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to remove Russia from the upcoming Olympics. 

This morning, the results of a a two-month investigation commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency were revealed and evidence has confirmed claims of government-ordered cheating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, including swapping of samples provided by doped athletes.

The IOC will soon determine the level of Russia's participation in Rio.

Release via FIG

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, July 18, 2016: 

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is concerned about the increasing number of officials asking for a blanket ban of Russian athletes to participte at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio.

Whilst FIG fully supports the IOC's policy of "Zero Tolerance in Doping", it strongly feels that not all Russian athletes of all sports should be banned and found guilty for actions in other sports and federations.

Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Trampoline athletes cannot be judged based on other sports. Before any actions are taken against FIG's athletes, facts must be presented and doping offenses must be proven.

FIG's Russian gymnasts have been subject to controls equal to those of our other leading gymnastics federations. Clean Russian gymnasts must therefore be allowed to compete at the Games.

FIG President Bruno Grandi, who has always fought for justice in sport stated:

"The rights of every individual athlete must be respected. Participation at the Olympic Games is the highest goal of athletes who often sacrifice their entire youth to this aim. The right to participate at the Games cannot be stolen from an athlete, who has duly qualified and has not be found guilty of doping. Blanket bans have never been and will never be just."


USOC CEO Scott Blackmun released the below statement regarding WADA report:

“The McClaren Report confirms what we have stated previously: the current anti-doping system is broken and urgently requires the attention of everyone interested in protecting clean athletes. We look forward to working with the IOC, WADA and the entire Olympic family to address the flaws in the current system so that a uniform approach to anti-doping can be implemented and enforced around the world. In the meantime, we are focused on preparing Team USA to compete at the upcoming Rio Games and will rely on the IOC, WADA and the international federations to impose sanctions that are appropriate in relation to the magnitude of these offenses, and that give clean athletes some measure of comfort that they will be competing on a level playing field in Rio.”


Related:
Draft Letter from Sports Leaders: Ban Russia from the Olympics