Russian officials admit to elements of doping scandal and vow not to boycott 2016 Games

Confronted by allegations of widespread doping among its track and field athletes, Russia has given signs that it will admit to at least some wrongdoing and, regardless of future sanctions, will not boycott the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics.

President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that there are problems with sports in his country.

“Issues of the fight against doping in sport, unfortunately, are still relevant and require attention,” he said earlier this week.

On Thursday, the acting president of the Russian track federation told the Associated Press that measures to stop doping already have begun.

“We admit some things, we argue with some things, some are already fixed, it’s a variety,” Vadim Zelichenok was quoted as saying.

International track officials were scheduled to convene Friday to decide whether to ban Russian athletes from track competitions, including the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

The controversy began Monday when the World Anti-Doping Agency issued the results of a nearly yearlong study, alleging that Russian athletes, coaches, doctors and sports officials had conspired in a massive program of cheating.

The government also was implicated by the report.

After initially lashing back at accusations, Russian officials have shifted to a more conciliatory tone.

“We need to protect our athletes against the use of illegal drugs,” Putin said. “First of all, it is necessary for them, for our athletes, to their health. And of course, the fight must be fair.”

WADA has recommended that Russian track athletes be allowed to compete if their federation enacts immediate reforms.