From Russia Without Love

Is banning Russia from the 2016 Paralympics justified?

Author Introduction-Akshaj is a student of grade 10A and enjoys reading books and listening to music.

The last few months have seen a lot of controversy after the ban of Russia from the 2016 Summer Paralympics as many believe an entire country shouldn't be banned. Many, including myself, believe this action is justified despite what some may say against the ban.

To begin with, doping has become a significant issue in Russia since 2014 and, in 2015, to prevent the widespread doping, the IAAF suspended Russia indefinitely from world sports. Earlier this year the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced Russia should be

banned from the 2016 Summer Olympics, however, despite this announcement, 270 athletes had been cleared, one day prior to the opening ceremony, while a staggering 167 athletes had been banned. By banning the entire Russian team in the Paralympics will evoke better sense into all of the Russian athletes to not administer any performance enhancing drugs or the like in the future.

In addition, banning Russia in the Paralympics will keep events fair as, in the past, some Russian athletes had managed to manipulate urine samples to compete in the Olympics and considering that there were over 400 athletes who were to participate, the chance of sample manipulation was extremely high, especially with today's technology that can be used to the advantage of athletes. Even some athletes who have been cleared to participate in the Summer Olympics are under investigation due to accusation of manipulation. Banning Russia in the Paralympics will keep the games fair and can assure everybody that the games will be clean and free from any cheats, as when a country is banned, others won't be willing to take any risk.

On the other hand, some may say that there were still 270 athletes who were clean while only 167 athletes were banned which is a high number, but there are still many who were clean and some may ask how it is fair for the clean athletes to be banned. The ones who actually deserved a spot have been banned and shouldn't be acceptable as the Olympics are for everyone.

It is true that the Olympics, in general, are for everyone but when there are such people who proved to the world that you can get away with sample manipulation and have destroyed the true spirit of the Olympics, the ban is required. Even though 270 athletes were clean, the number of athletes who manipulated samples is unknown. By banning Russia on a whole, those who failed their dope tests can wear the guilt and this will also alarm many Russian athletes into not even trying to take any performance enhancing drugs to assure a clean country for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Moreover, no one would try to take any drugs as in 4 years’ time tests will become more efficient and accurate.

All in all, it is completely understood why the Russian team is banned and is justified as the Olympics are a place and time of honesty and to retain the integrity of the sport, now and in the future, a ban is definitely required.