The president of the Russian Olympic Committee blasts the inconsistency of the Olympic leaders in the build up towards the 2016 Olympic Games.

In a speech on Tuesday, Alexander Zhukov questioned the International Olympic Committee and the International Association of Athletics Federations decision to banned all Russian athletes from competing at the Rio Olympic Games, while doping cheats, Americans Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin are allowed to compete.

While acknowledging that the Russian cheats deserved to be punished, Zhukov added that it is wrong to block the likes of Yelena Isinbayeva and Sergey Shubenkov from competing in Rio.

Isinbayeva, who is looking to return to the Olympics stage, is a two-time Olympic champion and world record holder, while Shubenkov won the gold medal in the men’s 110m hurdles at last year’s IAAF Worlds Championships in Beijing.

USA sprinter Gatlin, who won the 2004 Olympic 100m gold medal, has twice been suspended for doping, while countryman Gay has also tested positive for doping.

“Do you really think it is fair to make it impossible for Yelena Isinbayeva and Sergey Shubenkov to participate in the Olympic Games which will be attended by Tyson Gay and twice disqualified for doping Justin Gatlin?” Zhukov asked.

“From the perspective of Russian athletes, it is an extreme injustice and humiliation.”

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Anthony Foster is a renowned Jamaican sports journalist, honored twice as the Jamaica sports journalist of the year (in 2004 and 2005). His journalistic achievements are globally recognized. Notably, he authored an award-winning article on Usain Bolt, the iconic 6-time Olympic champion, 11-time World champion, and record holder for the sprint double. This significant piece was published in the Jamaica Gleaner in 2004. Anthony's extensive coverage includes prestigious events such as the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He has also provided coverage for seven (7) World Athletics Championships held between 2007 and 2022, alongside various other international sporting events. Noteworthy mentions comprise his coverage of the 2007 World Cup of cricket and his cherished experience reporting on the 2004 clash between his favorite football team, Argentina, and the USA.

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