Rio 2016: Depleted Russian team leaves for Rio

More than 100 athletes from what was originally a 387-strong team have been barred from competing in Rio by international sports federations under sanctions which most Russian athletes consider unfair. “We’re after medals — that’s it,” handball player Anna Sen said. “We need to fight for those athletes who were disqualified.” Ignoring what he called “provocations addressed at our team and our mighty country”, volleyball player Sergei Tetyukhin said “today, as never before, we need to stay united and become a family”. No track and field athletes were among the contingent heading for Rio on Thursday’s flight, since the entire track team is banned from competing. 

Russian pole vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva said on Thursday she intends to move various courts to prove that she had been illegally barred from the Olympic Games.

“We will be seeking justice in courts of all instances, including Court of Human Rights (ECHR),” Tass quoted Isibayeva as saying. “This is our guideline as we must dispel all doubts for young athletes so that they continue practicing their sports,” the two-time Olympic champion added. “The clean sports exists, and I am one of the examples. So this is our top priority now,” she said. Isinbayeva said there was still hope that she would be cleared for participation. “There is still hope,” Isinbayeva said.  “There is still hope. I am waiting for an answer from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).”