Jo Pavey says IOC sending wrong message by not banning all Russian athletes
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 25/07/16 5:05pm
European distance runner champion Jo Pavey feels the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are sending the wrong message by not blanket banning all Russian athletes from the Rio Olympics.
The IOC confirmed on Sunday they have opted not to impose a blanket ban on Russians competing in Rio de Janeiro next month.
It will now be down to individual sports federations to decide if their Russian members can go to Rio, although the IOC board has provided a list of criteria that must be met between now and the start of the Games on August 5.
Pavey has joined fellow GB athlete Greg Rutherford in slamming the IOC for their decision, and she feels that not blanket banning Russian athletes goes against the spirit of the Olympics.
"Obviously track and field athletes remain banned but the McLaren report, which really looked into state-sponsored doping, showed that it went across all sports," she told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Really it doesn't send out the right message and I feel like many times I've had my career ruined by cheats in sport.
"Decisions such as this really go against the whole spirit about what the Olympic games should be about and its not really standing up for the interests of clean athletes."
However, despite Pavey's concerns, she is still relishing the prospect at representing Team GB at Rio.
She added: "As an athlete, you stand on that start line and you take a moment to look up at the flame, you're so proud to represent your country in the Olympics.
"You put any negative thoughts behind you and give it your absolute everything, and every ounce of energy to put in the performance that you can for your country."
