Please see below statements from the British Olympic Association and the British Olympic Association's Athletes' Commission relating to last night’s decision of the IOC Executive Board.
British Olympic Association Chairman, Sir Hugh Robertson, said: "We take no pleasure in the outcome of the IOC Commissions. However, the IOC has taken the right decision.
"We believe this to be a seminal moment in the battle against doping, particularly when it is systematic and widespread, and must acknowledge the role of the IOC and WADA in moving to restore the integrity of Olympic sport."
British Olympic Association Athletes’ Commission Chairman, Ben Hawes, said: "Based on the findings of the independent reports commissioned by the IOC we believe this ban is the correct and appropriate outcome. We are optimistic this decision will send a clear message to both athletes and officials who have cheated.
"We now place great importance on the work of the IOC Panel to determine clean athletes to compete in PyeongChang 2018, and in doing so hope they give our athletes the confidence that they line up in a clean competition against the best in the world.
"Our disappointment still remains for those athletes robbed of medals and precious moments in Sochi 2014 and other Olympic Games."
ENDS
About the BOA
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is the National Olympic Committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to develop, promote and protect the Olympic Movement in our territory in accordance with the Olympic Charter. The BOA achieves this through:
Working in partnership with our members and key stakeholders to deliver world-leading services and support to enable British athletes to reach their full potential at the Olympic Games, Olympic Winter Games and other IOC-sanctioned events
Working in partnership with our members and key stakeholders to provide athletes with relevant support on the journey to, during and following their Olympic careers
Engaging people throughout the United Kingdom to pursue their very own goals and dreams through the Olympic Values and the example of Team GB Olympians
Being the independent voice of Olympic Sport and collaborating with our members and other sport stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, to support the continued growth and overall health of the Olympic Movement in the UK
For further information, please visit the Team GB website
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