Tempting as it may be, banning Russia’s track and field athletes from the Rio Olympics isn’t the answer.
The Russians have made a mockery of both international anti-doping efforts and the spirit of sport with revelations of a widespread and state-sanctioned doping program involving — for now — track and field athletes. But the damage has long been done.
If international track and field officials say Friday the Russians aren’t welcome in Rio, it takes away the most powerful incentive there is for Russia to clean up its act, in athletics and other sports.
Yes, other sports.