THE Grand Hotel in Vienna staged a momentous day in the fight against doping last Friday when the IAAF upheld its ban on Russia, ruling the nation out of the Rio Olympics.
IAAF president Seb Coe said the vote within his council was unanimous, while Rune Anderson, the leader of the taskforce delving into Russia’s anti-doping procedures, added the country was “at least 18 to 24 months away” from complying with the World Anti-Doping Agency Code.
If so, there must be doubts over Russia’s participation at the IAAF World Championships in London, an event that starts in 13 months’ time.