Russian track and field files new claim with CAS over sanctions imposed by World Athletics

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Russia’s track and field federation has filed a new claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport to contest sanctions imposed by World Athletics. On Monday, the federation challenged the restrictions that barred Russian athletes from participating in international events since March 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

World Athletics maintained the suspension at a council meeting in July, prompting Russian Athletics to appeal to CAS in an attempt to overturn it. The federation's new appeal focuses on the restrictions infringing on the organization's rights and preventing it from effectively representing Russian athletes at international competitions.

Boris Yaryshevskiy, CEO of Russian Athletics, emphasized that the sanctions are "unprecedented" and unique, as no other sports federation faces such stringent limitations. These restrictions not only impede the federation's regular operations but also hinder the growth of athletics in Russia, particularly among young athletes. In a recent development, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) eased restrictions on Russia ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a move the Kremlin welcomed as a "significant step."

However, Russia has not competed under its national flag in a world athletics championships since 2015, when the Russian track federation was suspended due to extensive doping. A program enabling athletes to represent Russia under a neutral flag was terminated in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine. Consequently, no Russian athletes participated in the 2024 Paris Games, despite the IOC permitting neutral athletes in other sports.