大象传媒

The International Olympic Committee has banned Russia from competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. It's over allegations of doping and government involvement in cheating when the country hosted the last Winter Games in Sochi in 2014. The Russian government has repeatedly denied accusations of institutionalised doping.

Olga Ivshina from the 大象传媒 Russian Service says the ban will be a huge blow for Russian athletes and fans.

(Photo: The Russian and Olympic flags fly during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics on February 7, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Credit: Martin Rose/Getty Images)