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Banned Russian long jumper allowed to compete in Rio

Darya Klishina will be competing in the long jump (Getty)
Darya Klishina will be competing in the long jump in Rio. (Getty)

Darya Klishina, the lone Russian track and field athlete, has been cleared to compete at the Rio Olympic Games after an official appeal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled the Klishina could participate in the games because she spent the last three years outside of Russia and had been tested regularly for performance-enhancing drugs.

The Russian long jumper is one of 68 Russians that are cleared to compete at the Olympics. A week ago, the International Association of Athletic Federations attempted to ban Klishina “based on new information.” The CAS says that Klishina complied with the rules, and will be allowed to perform in Rio.

While waiting for her hearing on Sunday, Klishina trained at a track that is close to Olympic Stadium. Even with that limited training, she will have a long way to go to medal.

Last year at the World Championships, Klishina finished 10th place in the long jump event. At the World Indoor Championship in 2014, she finished seventh.

Russia’s inclusion at the Rio Games has been tepid to downright hostile. The Russian delegation was lightly booed at the opening ceremony, and it hasn’t gotten much better from there. Yuliya Efimova was booed at the pool after her heats in the 100-meter breaststroke. American swimming Lilly King specifically targeted Efimova with criticisms after her races.

Don’t expect Klishina to receive a warm welcome when she steps on the track at Olympic Stadium.

The long jump final is scheduled for Wednesday.