No Russia in Rio could impact Canadians, but Bishop & Co., focused on themselves
EDMONTON — When Melissa Bishop steps up to the 800-metre start line at the Rio Olympics, she won’t worry about the women in the lanes to her left and right — or the country’s colours they’re wearing.
Canada’s Olympic trials for track and field are happening this week amid perhaps the greatest turmoil to ever touch the sport.
Russian track and field athletes have been banned from competing in Rio because of systematic doping, although IAAF president Seb Coe said 136 Russian athletes have applied for clearance to compete as independent athletes.
Their absence could affect a few Canadians in Rio, but Bishop, a silver medallist at last summer’s world championships in Beijing, said she can only focus on herself.