Russian Appeal for Compliance Denied by WADA Ahead of 2018 Winter Olympics

The World Anti-Doping Agency rejected Russia's appeal to get back within good standing ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Rebecca R. Ruiz of the New York Times reported the decision, which was made by WADA's 38-member foundation board. The group said Russia failed to meet compliance requirements after widespread doping was found within the country ahead of the 2016 Summer Games.

An investigation uncovered more than 1,000 Russian athletes were involved in doping and that the government was helping them cover the infractions up.

"We really have done everything possible for RUSADA to retrieve its status," Pavel Kolobkov, Russia's sports minister, told R-Sport news agency.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said he was hoping to get Russian athletes in compliance so they can be tested.

"I think everybody would like to see RUSADA working at full speed so that the Russian athletes can be tested," Mr. Bach said. "The past has to be sanctioned. The question now is about the future, and these are two different things."

It's unclear how this will affect athletes heading into the 2018 Games. Russian athletes who were found to be compliant were allowed to compete in the 2016 Summer Games.