World Athletics President Sebastian Coe insisted on Sunday (September 13, 2026) that his stance on sanctions imposed on Russia by track and field’s governing body were unchanged.
“The current restrictions infringe on the organisation’s rights and prevent it from fully representing the interests of Russian athletes on an international level,” it said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the Los Angeles Olympics. Mr. Coe had crossed the line of political neutrality with that statement.
“We made it clear that we wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government’s actions,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry said. Mr/ Coe, speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural Ultimate Championship in Budapest, said he still fully believed in World Athletics’ policy. “First of all, our position hasn’t changed,” said the 69-year-old Briton. Coe said last month that he intended to be personally present at CAS to defend that position. Russian Athletics executive director Boris Yaryshevsky, in an interview with the Russian TASS news agency last week, said Mr. “It is very clear that he has something personal,” Mr. Yaryshevsky said. “Yes, this does need to be resolved and I’m acutely aware of that,” he said.