Russian officials suspend five athletes days before doping report
Marathoner Maria Konovalova is one of five Russian athletes suspended by national officials.
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With anti-doping authorities set to release a report on alleged systemic cheating in Russia, officials in that country announced Thursday they have suspended five athletes.
A top marathon runner and hammer thrower were among those punished.
Russian athletics have come under increased scrutiny since a 2014 media report alleged widespread cheating among officials, coaches and athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency subsequently established an independent commission to study the issue.
The agency is scheduled to release its findings Monday.
In addition to marathoner Maria Konovalova and hammer thrower Maria Bespalova, the Russian federation suspended racewalker Evgeny Nushtaev and runners Vlas Bredikhin and Yaroslav Khlopov.
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