Russia banned from Olympics but door open to Tokyo Games for athletes as 'neutrals'

"We will be (competing) either under the Russian Olympic Committee flag or as neutrals. We have gone through this before at the last Olympics. There is nothing horrible about this."

And there is the problem. If the punishment doesn’t “sting”, there will be no incentive to change. As unfair as it would be to the honest athletes in Russia, they should not be allowed to participate as a neutral group.

I don't like that they get to participate as Olympic Athletes from Russia. They should just participating as Olympic Athletes'.

Russia doesn't even deserve to have their name mentioned. These people should be described as being from Europe, or Earth.

Stop cheating and then you can play - its just that simple -

And there is the problem. If the punishment doesn’t “sting”, there will be no incentive to change. As unfair as it would be to the honest athletes in Russia, they should not be allowed to participate as a neutral group.

why not , not all Russian athletes are cheats, if theyre prepared to be tested by WADA outside of Russia and pass all the tests then they should be allowed to compete as a neutral athlete.

Another slap onto Putin. He and his government don't play fair in anything. Look at their cyberwar actions lately.

I have no doubt that there's genuine Russian athletes who don't want to partake in the doping debacle but unfortunately, they are tainted by the actions of the dopers and those who cheat to win.

I suspect that Putin is incapable of feeling shame. A sociopath of the highest order.

As long as they're proven clean, clean Russian athletes should benefit

However, unclean doping institution should not benefit

@wtfjapan:

I agree it's not fair to the honest athletes. I don't really have a strong opinion on it, but above quote basically meaning "eh, it's no big deal" doesn't sit well with me. To me, it just says there will not really be any large outcry or push to change because they don't seem to care if they represent Russia or not. If everybody got hit there might actually be real change from within.

Of course just my 2.. maybe 1 cent(s).