Russian runner who gave inside information on doping scandal may still get to compete at Summer Olympics

Yulia Stepanova, the Russian 800-meter runner who provided authorities with inside information on doping in her country, has taken a big step toward competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics as a “neutral” athlete.

Stepanova was cleared by the IAAF, track’s governing body, which has set up a special application process for athletes who belong to Russia’s banned track team.

The approval means Stepanova can compete in next week’s European championships. She must receive additional clearance from the International Olympic Committee to run in the Games in Rio de Janeiro later this summer.

In a statement Friday, track officials characterized her as “someone having made a truly exceptional contribution to the protection and promotion of clean athletes, fair play and the integrity and authenticity of the sport. Ms. Stepanova is now eligible to compete in international competitions as an independent neutral athlete.”

More than 80 members of the Russian track team have applied to compete in Rio under the Olympic flag, the IAAF stated.

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The track federation has said it will clear athletes who have helped anti-doping investigators or can prove they are clean despite allegations of widespread cheating in their country.

Stepanova, who is reportedly living and training in the U.S., previously served a two-year ban for doping. She provided evidence for a World Anti-Doping Agency investigation that resulted in the Russian team being banned from international competition last year.

david.wharton@latimes.com

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