Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Russia Aims to End Athletics Ban, Build Trust, and Return
Russia is trying to get its athletes back into international sports after being banned for a long time.
They were first banned because of cheating with drugs, and then again because of the war.
The leaders of Russian athletics are talking to the people in charge of the sport worldwide, hoping to get their athletes back.
They're also working on improving how they talk to the world, especially in English, to show they've changed and can be trusted.
To do this they are testing athletes regularly, and improving communications.
Russia is working to end its 10-year international athletics ban caused by state-sponsored doping and the invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian Athletics Federation is in discussions with World Athletics to reintegrate Russian athletes.
Russia's athletes have been banned since November 2015 due to doping allegations.
World Athletics' sanctions remain in place until a peace agreement is reached.
The Russian Athletics Federation is improving public communication in English to build trust and change perceptions.
- Who
- The Russian Athletics Federation and World Athletics are involved, as well as Russian athletes.
- What
- Russia is working to end its international ban from athletics and reintegrate its athletes.
- When
- Russia's athletes have been banned since November 2015, with current efforts ongoing.
- Where
- The ban affects Russian athletes' participation in international competitions worldwide.
- Why
- Russia aims to restore its athletes' participation in international competitions after state-sponsored doping and the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's Perspective
World Athletics' Perspective
Re-Entry to International Sports
Russia's Perspective
They are working to regain trust through open communication and fulfilling all regulations.
World Athletics' Perspective
Concerns over past doping violations require a cautious approach to Russia's return to international sports.
- Ban Start Date
- November 2015
- Reason for Ban
- State-sponsored doping and invasion of Ukraine
- Organization in Discussions
- World Athletics
- Annual Doping Tests
- Approximately 3,000
- Anti-Doping Violations Per Year
- Less than 10