Olympics Rio 2016: Darya Klishina, the only Russian athlete cleared to compete at Games, is incredibly BANNED on eve of her competition
Long-jumper was allowed to take part due to clean doping record suspended after 'additional findings' by IAAF
THE only Russian athlete allowed to compete at Rio 2016 has now also been BANNED on the eve of her competition.
Darya Klishina was given special dispensation to take part after her clean doping record was established in the United States.
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The long jumper, 25, is based in the USA rather than Russia, who were banned from entering athletes to the Olympics because of “state-sponsored” doping.
But Klishina has also been suspended from action after the IAAF received new information in her case.
Russian media are reporting that the decision “was based on additional findings of the McLaren investigation into doping allegations”.
Klishina has filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will be reviewed in the next 24 hours.
She said in a statement: “I am a clean athlete and have proved that already many times and beyond any doubt.
“Based in the US for three years now, I have been almost exclusively tested outside of the anti-doping system in question.
I am falling victim to those who created a system of manipulating our beautiful sport and is guilty of using it for political purposes. I will take every possible effort to protect my clean image as an athlete.
“At this moment I cannot help but feel betrayed by a system that is not focused on keeping the sport clean and supporting rank-and-file athletes, but rather seeking victories outside sport arenas.”
Klishina is a two-time European indoor champion and has a budding modelling career.
She received personal abuse via social media from Russians who considered her to be a “traitor” for going to Rio.