Russia Banned From The 2018 Winter Olympics

This just in! Russia has been banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics! ‘Cause collusion! HAHAHA. Just kidding. The IOC banned Russia over “systemic doping.”

IOC suspends Russian NOC and creates a path for clean individual athletes to compete in @PyeongChang2018 under the Olympic Flag https://t.co/bKA9rpbd3y

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) December 5, 2017

JUST IN: International Olympic Committee bars Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics for "systemic manipulation" of anti-doping rules pic.twitter.com/oZfYfrrA80

— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 5, 2017

The head of the IOC, Thomas Bach, revealed the decision in a press conference in Lausanne, Switzerland on Tuesday. “This was an unprecedented attack on the integrity of the Olympic Games and sport,” he said of Russia’s sophisticated doping system.

“The IOC, after following due process, has issued proportional sanctions for this systemic manipulation while protecting the clean athletes. This should draw a line under this damaging episode and serve as a catalyst for a more effective anti-doping system led by WADA.

“As an athlete myself, I feel very sorry for all the clean athletes from all NOCs who are suffering from this manipulation. Working with the IOC Athletes’ Commission, we will now look for opportunities to make up for the moments they have missed on the finish line or on the podium.”

So there you have it. Carry on with your day.