FEI Welcomes Russian Athletes in Rio

Ingmar De Vos, the Federation Internationale Equestrie (FEI) president has announced the Russian riders will be able to compete at next month's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The International Olympic Comité (IOC) decided yesterday Russia wouldn't be collectively excluded from the Games. It is up to the different federations to disqualify or welcome the Russian athletes.

"After an evaluation of not only the riders but also the horses, we concluded there is no trace of the use of forbidden substances or malpractice amongst the athletes," states Ingmar De Vos. "Therefor we have no reason not to welcome the Russian theme in Rio."

In total about five athletes are selected to represent Russia at the Olympic Games. In the past years none of them have tested positive on forbidden substances. "It is not fair to disqualify Russia, caused to malpractice in other sports."