IOC approves entry of 271 Russian athletes for Rio Games (Yahoo Sports)

The IOC approved the entry of 271 Russian athletes for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on Thursday, meaning 70 percent of the country’s original team will compete after a doping scandal that has dominated the buildup to the games. Also Thursday, the IOC rule barring Russian athletes with prior doping sanctions from competing in the games was rejected as ”unenforceable” by a sports arbitration panel, a decision which could open the door to further appeals and more Russians being entered. The International Olympic Committee announced the go-ahead for 271 Russian athletes about 24 hours before the opening ceremony of the games.