IOC's decision: (clean) Russian athletes can compete under neutral flag at PyeongChang Olympics

[Vash01]

The full list of Olympic athletes from Russia
Figure Skating: Aliev, Kolyada, Medvedeva, Zagitova, Sotskova, Tarasova/Morozov, Zabiyako/Enbert, Astakhova/Rogonov, Bobrova/Soloviev, Zagorski/Guerreiro
http://olympic.ru/news/news-russia/...ih-olimpijskih-igrah-2018-goda-v-g-phenchhan/

Is this final? Did the RSF sacrifice the innocent Bukin and possibly innocent Stolbova to gain what? A possible opening for one of their athletes in another sport? They dont believe in the innocence of their own athletes? My heart breaks for Stepanova-Bukin in particular.

 

[caseyedwards]

How can z/g and a/r take those spots? They must support s/b and s/k being banned!

 

[Sasha is DIVINE]

I have long enjoyed Ivan Bukin as I think he is just so adorable and his always-smiling and happy personality always brings a smile to my face! I also love the legacy of him skating in the footsteps of his extremely successful and Olympic champion father. If his letter is true, then this is just so sad and heart-breaking. I really don't get it.

 

[Kasey]

It may be because Astakova/Rogonov and Zagorski/Guerrero were already listed as alternates?

 

[Anyasnake]

How can z/g and a/r take those spots? They must support s/b and s/k being banned!

Of course they won't. Would you sacrifice a once in a lifetime experience like the Olympics ? This is not about supporting actually but it might even backfire at Z/G and A/R as well if they decide to do so. (especially if doubts are true)

 

[Elkmaria]

The full list of Olympic athletes from Russia

Given that no other alternates are mentioned (in men and ladies), it seems that Z/G and A/R will compete after all. At least something positive, because the above-mentioned decision not to give a chance to alternates seemed unwise and unfair to me. While Z/G and A/R are not podium contenders, they are far from being 'weak' athletes And I am sure that if S/K and S/B are asked if they'd rather see Z/G and A/R compete or refuse to compete due to some 'solidarity', they will choose the former option.

 

[BlueRidge]

How can z/g and a/r take those spots? They must support s/b and s/k being banned!

Oh will you shut up?

 

[Vash01]

At this point my only hope is that Bukin and Stolbova will compete at worlds in March. That is little consolation though because the Olympic opportunity is so rare.

 

[BlueRidge]

At this point my only hope is that Bukin and Stolbova will compete at worlds in March. That is little consolation though because the Olympic opportunity is so rare.

Yeah, there is no consolation for being barred from the Olympics.

 

[Bellanca]

I think IOC determined that an outright ban would have too heavy political consequences.

Possibly, but, who knows...

The IOC's attempt to allow clean athletes to compete at PyeongChang via invitation is not exactly the most original, or, (some may say) brightest of ideas, but at least it was an idea that provided a resolution allowing Russian athlete inclusion. The flipside is, the IOC still has enormous amounts of , chaos and fallout to contend with, possibly more than an outright ban may have caused.

The perceived, unfair, cherry-picking atmosphere of selecting one athlete over another will be an egregious, unforgivable error IF the athletes in questions are discovered to be truly ‘clean’ athletes.

Right now, there is too much speculation, incorrect, unreliable reports and information being deliberated. We'll just have to exercise great patience and wait for the official invitation list and press release. Until then, take the next thing that is out there with a grain of salt. JMHO.

 

[Vash01]

Yeah, there is no consolation for being barred from the Olympics.

And without a reason, without any proof of guilt/crime.

 

[millyskate]

Is this final? Did the RSF sacrifice the innocent Bukin and possibly innocent Stolbova to gain what? A possible opening for one of their athletes in another sport? They dont believe in the innocence of their own athletes? My heart breaks for Stepanova-Bukin in particular.

If you read the thread, you'll see that they did write to the IOC for clarification specifically on the S/B case.
Whether the response is still pending, or a satisfactory response, or a final response, was provided... is unknown at this stage.

 

[Elkmaria]

At this point my only hope is that Bukin and Stolbova will compete at worlds in March

At this moment nothing indicates that they won't be able to do so. I think even though S/K might have considered retirement after the Olympics, now they will stay a bit longer and go to Worlds.
I really hope that there will be no further sanctions against them and that S/B find enough strength and motivation to carry on

 

[Ka3sha]

If you read the thread, you'll see that they did write to the IOC for clarification specifically on the S/B case.
Whether the response is still pending, or a satisfactory response, or a final response, was provided... is unknown at this stage.

The Fed did write to the IOC for clarification on both S/B and S/K cases, the interview was with Svinin (Bukin’s coached), so he mentioned only Ivan

Pavel Kolobkov, Russian sports minister: we will fight for each athlete till the end, we’ve already contacted with CAS , they said that we’re may challenge the IOC’s decision till February, 5 but we are waiting for the IOC’s confirmation that it’s possible to do so
http://tass.ru/sport/4903715

 

[caseyedwards]

Of course they won't. Would you sacrifice a once in a lifetime experience like the Olympics ? This is not about supporting actually but it might even backfire at Z/G and A/R as well if they decide to do so. (especially if doubts are true)

With s/b being history z/g will seize the Opportunity to be Russian number one dance team.

 

[VGThuy]

Do we know for sure that Bukin is not allowed in any future Olympics?

 

[Anyasnake]

With s/b being history z/g will seize the Opportunity to be Russian number one dance team.

S/B will be history when they'll be done, not now. If Z/G are Russia #1, good. But this is not the time right now.

 

[Vash01]

If you read the thread, you'll see that they did write to the IOC for clarification specifically on the S/B case.
Whether the response is still pending, or a satisfactory response, or a final response, was provided... is unknown at this stage.

I had seen that (yes, I have read the thread until my head started spinning and still I continued to read). Just because they wrote to the IOC doesn't mean a thing. Basically I have no faith in the IOC at this point. Since the RSF has already published a list of their Olympic athletes, my guess is that they don't have much faith in the IIC's fairness or any changes either.

 

[VGThuy]

I still think Bukin had to have been missing something to not get approved. Whether or not that is his fault or within his control is something that I need to see to determine how I feel about the whole process. Either way it truly sucks as an ice dance fan.

 

[caseyedwards]

Do we know for sure that Bukin is not allowed in any future Olympics?

They should act like he is. Imagine Russia investing 4 years in him for him to be banned again weeks before Beijing! Or maybe he has a lifetime ban now already.

S/B will be history when they'll be done, not now. If Z/G are Russia #1, good. But this is not the time right now.

Can’t risk it. They are going to drop so fast like gorshkova and buitikov

 

[casken]

With s/b being history z/g will seize the Opportunity to be Russian number one dance team.

Weren't they supposed to be ready to seize that from Bobrova at Nationals? At least that's what the Z&G PR train was saying all fall.

 

[caseyedwards]

Weren't they supposed to be ready to seize that from Bobrova at Nationals? At least that's what the Z&G PR train was saying all fall.

Well that failed but look where they are now! Olympics and only choice to replace bobrova soloviev

 

[teacakes]

There's more:

The Russian OC reverses decision on Olympic team released earlier today. No replacements for athletes not invited. "..in solidarity with those athletes who can not participate in competitions, weaker athletes can not occupy their seats..."

source

 

[BlueRidge]

Do we know for sure that Bukin is not allowed in any future Olympics?

We know nothing of the sort. The ONLY thing we know is that he will not be allowed to participate in 2018 Olys.

Nothing that is known implies that he cannot continue to compete.

 

[Debbie S]

Seriously?! So not only will S/B be punished but also Z/G and A/R, in maybe their only chance to go to the Olys? Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.

 

[Cherub721]

They should act like he is. Imagine Russia investing 4 years in him for him to be banned again weeks before Beijing! Or maybe he has a lifetime ban now already.

Yeah, I've been one of their biggest fans for years but if Bukin doesn't get his invite i think they should just retire or split. Too bad he was the better partner. This Russian OAR thing is not just for 2018, it's indefinite and once he has this black mark of not being invited, they should presume he won't be invited in 2022 either, and, well, I don't think they're in it just for Worlds.

 

[VGThuy]

There's more:



source

Maybe there’s still hope.

 

[MarieM]

I wonder if someone on twitter isn't on the trail saying that the commission must have mistaken Bukin for Bobrova since all 2014 Sotchi athletes are out.

 

[wickedwitch]

There's more:

The Russian OC reverses decision on Olympic team released earlier today. No replacements for athletes not invited. "..in solidarity with those athletes who can not participate in competitions, weaker athletes can not occupy their seats..."

source

So not only do we not get to watch S/K, but there's also no A/R?!?

I'm still hoping that Bukin gets cleared, but tha's probably naive.

 

[Anyasnake]

Maybe there’s still hope.

I'm starting to lose hope...