Not long ago Russia got a 4 year ban from WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency for all the doping and cover-up they have done over the years. I believe it's a fair decision even though those who are not guilty will be suffering too. This has gone too far already and needs to be stopped. Moreover, the world needs to learn there are consequences and doping must stop once and for all.
Some of the athletes have threatened to boycott the Olympics if the ban is not lifted. They said they are not going to participate and even organizing their own event in Russia in the same time as the Olympics. This is all part of a strategy as they all know the Anti-Doping Agency will not lift the ban and won't get intimidated or be blackmailed.
However, not everyone thinks like that. All Russian athletes know if the ban will be final, they have only two choices if they want to compete. One is to compete under a neutral flag, not representing any country. It's not ideal but it is something to consider if one doesn't want to lose 4 years or even more if the ban will be extended. No one gets younger and 4 years means a lot.
The other option is to compete for another country. It's a big step, you have to get a new citizenship but it can give you the advantage of competing for that country.
Ilnur Zakarin, the 30 year old Russian racing cyclist wants to compete at the Olympics even under the neutral flag and is considering racing for Cyprus as an alternative oprion, where he lived for the last 6 years.
I find his determination funny as he's been banned before, in 2009 he got a two year ban from the Russian cycling federation for testing positive for metandienone. I'm really curious to see what's going to happen in his case as his options are not as clear as he thinks or lets us think.
He can only compete under the neutral flag if he can demonstrate he's not tied to the doping scandal. I'm not saying he is as I have no evidence but being banned already for two years in the past doesn't look good. The other option, competing for another country is nice but I have a feeling Cyprus is going to look twice at his application before making a decision. No one wants a doping scandal I believe. None of the countries are eager to have their name dragged through the mud.
He's just one athlete but Russia has a total population of 144.5 million, imagine how many athletes are there who are having the same problem. If you're a gymnast for example, 4 years can mean your whole adult career. Maybe in other sports athletes have better chances, some can catch two Olympics, even three.
I'm going to keep an eye on Russian athletes, let's see how patriots they are.