Russia could stand up to his suspension

Photo: Jessica Gow Agence France-Presse
The athlete Maria Lasitskene is the overwhelming favorite to retain his title in the high jump.

Moscow — Russia plans to send 19 athletes to the world athletics Championships in London next week, despite its suspension from all international competitions in the wake of a doping scandal widespread.

These 19 athletes, including three former world champions, have been granted exemptions despite the suspension of Russia following a review of their history of anti-doping control by the international athletics Federation (IAAF).

Maria Lasitskene is the overwhelming favorite to retain his title in the high jump, after to have remained unbeaten this season in the diamond League. No other woman has surpassed the two meters this year, but Lasitskene was carried out at 11 different competitions.

Sergey Shubenkov is leading the charge among the Russian athletes so that he will try to win a second world title in the 110-meter hurdles.

The director of the Russian athletics Federation, Elena Orlova, said to the news agency Tass that, in addition to these 19 athletes, it has also filed a request for whistleblower alert and a specialist in the 800 meters, Yulia Stepanova, but the federation is not in contact with her and believes that she does not intend to compete.

Since they are officially “athletes neutral” according to the rules of the IAAF, the Russians will not be allowed to wear their national colours and anthem of the Russian will not be played if they win the gold.

In total, 38 Russians have received exemptions that could enable them to compete in the Championships, but many have not achieved the qualification standards.