7 Russian Swimmers Banned from 2016 Olympics by FINA over Doping Allegations

Swimming’s world governing body, FINA, has banned seven Russian competitors from taking part in the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro over allegations of doping. 

News of the decision came via Agence France-Presse on Monday:

On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opted not to issue a full ban on Russian athletes' taking part in the Games in the aftermath of a report that suggested there was a state-sponsored doping program in place in the country between 2011 and 2015, per BBC Sport.

Instead, the IOC gave responsibility to the governing body of each sport to determine whether those athletes would be allowed to compete.

As reported by ESPN.com and the Associated Press, the competitors to be banned are Mikhail Dovgalyuk, Yulia Efimova, Natalia Lovtcova, Anastasia Krapivina, Nikita Lobintsev, Vladimir Morozov and Daria Ustinova.

Martyn Ziegler of the Times noted the initial report that made reference to the doping program cited some of the aforementioned names:

The most illustrious name of the seven is Efimova, who is the current world champion in the 100-meter breaststroke; the 24-year-old has previously tested positive for meldonium, although her provisional ban was lifted in May.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Additionally, Morozov, Lobintsev and Ustinova have all won medals at either the Olympics or World Championship level.

Per James Ellingworth of the Associated Press, FINA is seemingly leaving no stone unturned to ensure its competitors are clean:

The IOC's decision not to issue a blanket ban on Russian athletes for the Rio Games has been met with staunch criticism.

The World Anti-Doping Agency conceded it was “disappointed” with the action taken, while the United States Anti-Doping Agency said the move was a “significant blow to the rights of clean athletes,” per BBC Sport.