Russia reinstated to Olympic movement after doping sanctions

Just days after the conclusion of the 2018 Winter Games, Russia has been reinstated to the Olympic movement.

"The suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee is automatically lifted with immediate effect," an IOC spokesman told ESPN on Wednesday.

The Russians faced sanctions from the IOC heading into Pyeongchang as a result of a doping scandal from the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. The name "Olympic Athletes from Russia" was given as a designation to more than 160 Russian athletes who were cleared to compete at the Games in neutral uniforms under the Olympic flag.

“The final notification of all remaining test results from the Olympic Athletes from Russia delegation has been received from the Doping-Free Sport Unit,” read an IOC statement. “The IOC can confirm that all the remaining results are negative. Therefore, as stated in the executive board decision of 25 February the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee is automatically lifted with immediate effect.”

The country had been hopeful it could be reinstated for the closing ceremony, but two Russian athletes failed drug tests during the Pyeongchang Games and the suspension was not lifted during the Olympics.

"I would like to thank our athletes who were able to perform well even despite the provocations," Russian Olympic Committee president Alexander Zhukov said. "I thank the fans who did not cross the line and what could result in sanctions. Today's IOC's decision is very important for us. The ROC is an absolutely full-fledged member of the Olympic family."