Morozov, Lobintsev Approved For Rio Olympics, TASS Reports

Russian news site TASS reports that swimmers Vladimir Morozov and Nikita Lobintsev will be allowed to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics, with a decision still coming on Yulia Efimova.

TASS reports that the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Independent Panel ruled in favor of Morozov and Lobintsev on Thursday morning. TASS and others also report that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) also sided with the two Russian swimmers, though CAS had previously said the final decision would lie with the IOC.

Morozov and Lobintsev were originally barred from the Olympics by FINA, the international swimming governing body, but both appealed to CAS.

Their teammate Efimova still awaits a decision on her fate. Efimova was left off the Olympic team by the Russian Olympic Committee. Her appeal has been in process this week, and Russia’s R-Sport reports that a final decision should come sometime Thursday.

Also of note: ITV reports that 271 Russian athletes have been confirmed to compete in Rio, including the entirety of the nation’s synchronized swimming team. ITV appears to misquote R-Sport, reporting that Morozov and Lobintsev aren’t approved for the Games, though R-Sport reports that they are.