Russia fights for Olympic solace

There are just 100 days until the Rio Olympics and defending women’s high jump champion Anna Chicherova is in limbo as Russia fights for a place in the athletics contest.

While the Russian government and sports authorities race to overcome a huge doping scandal, Chicherova is perfecting her technique at a training centre in Sochi.

“We are preparing for the Olympic Games regardless of what lies ahead,” Chicherova said. “I am training for results.”

Rio 2016 would be Chicherova’s fourth, and possibly last, Olympics. The doping scandal that has hit her sport has caused widespread doubt.

“There are times when you don’t know where you’re going, when you lose sight of the goal,” she said.

The International Asociation of Atheltics Federations suspended Russia in November after World Anti-Doping Authority said there was “state-sponsored” doping and widespread corruption in Russian sport.

The IAAF said last month that Russia still has “considerable work” to do to be reinstated. A decision on whether Russia can return for the Rio Olympics will not be made until June.

The suspension means Russian athletes are excluded from money-spinning international events like the Diamond League. They can now only gauge themselves against domestic rivals.