2016 Olympic Games

Yelena Isinbayeva Still Banned From Olympic Games

Yelena Isinbayeva Still Banned From Olympic Games

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva has reportedly been denied once again by the IAAF to compete at the Olympic Games. According to Isinbayeva's Instagra

Jul 28, 2016 by Taylor Dutch
Yelena Isinbayeva Still Banned From Olympic Games
Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva has reportedly been denied once again by the IAAF to compete at the Olympic Games. According to Isinbayeva's Instagram account, she was denied by the "Secretary of the IAAF" and "the miracle did not happen."

On Thursday afternoon, Isinbayeva posted a photo of herself in the Russian team uniform with a message in Russian.

"Dear friends and media, information about the alleged not filed my individual application to the IAAF to participate in the Olympic Games in Rio, is false. 20 minutes ago I received a negative answer from the Secretary of the IAAF. Unfortunately I did not make an exception. Before Olympics in Rio I was not allowed. The miracle did not happen. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT BIG, BIG THANK YOU! Do not speak to me destiny in Rio," she wrote, according to Google translate.


Two-time Olympic champion Isinbayeva attempted to appeal to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to prove that she had been illegally barred from competing at the Olympic Games in Rio.

"The clean sport exists, and I am one of the examples. So this is our top priority right now," Isinbayeva told Tass earlier this week.

"There is still hope," she said. "There is still hope until the end of Thursday. I am waiting for an answer from the International Association of Athletics Federations."

In June, the IAAF banned Russia's track and field team from competing at the Olympic Games after a series of reports which gave evidence of systematic, state-sponsored doping. However, the IAAF Council also passed a rule amendment explaining that if any individual athletes can clearly and convincingly show they are not tainted by the Russian system, they should be able to apply for permission to compete as a neutral athlete.

Isinbayeva's attempt to move the court was unsuccessful. She is still banned from competing in Rio.