Russian speedskater being investigated for IOC remarks
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – Russian short-track speedskater Semen Elistratov is being investigated for a possible breach of Olympic regulations after dedicating his bronze medal to compatriots banned from the Games for doping violations.
Elistratov clinched a surprise bronze medal in the 1,500 meters at Gangneung Ice Arena on Saturday night and broke down in tears after crossing the finish line. He later criticized the decision to expel the Russian team and many of its athletes from Pyeongchang.
“I have difficulties to hold back my tears,” Elistratov said. “I am incredibly happy that I did it, in spite of all the circumstances around Russian sport. I dedicate this medal to all guys that have been excluded from these Games in such a hard and unfair way. This medal is for you.”
However, Elistratov’s remarks might be in violation of International Olympic Committee regulations regarding the handling of the Russian saga that overshadowed the buildup to the Olympics.
After revelations of state-sponsored doping on a systemic level that occurred in advance of and throughout the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Russia was banned from this month’s festivities, although some 168 athletes were permitted to compete after having proved they are clean.
“We have a surveillance program looking at the action and behavior of the OAR team,” IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said in a briefing Sunday morning. “They will report back at the end of the Games to the executive board to see if not just the letter but the spirit of the law has been breached.”
Before being granted permission to take part, Olympic Athletes from Russia had to agree to guidelines stating they would represent the Olympic flag and not that of their own country. They’re also prevented from seeking to publicize Russia and its tainted Olympic program or criticizing the IOC and its decision.
Elistratov was initially banned after testing positive for meldonium in 2016 but was later exonerated.