Sports | Russia The Olympics Just Banned Russia Over Doping Nation's athletes can compete as individuals at the Winter Games in South Korea By Newser Editors Posted Dec 5, 2017 1:19 PM CST Copied In this Feb. 18, 2014, file photo, a Russian skating fan holds the country's flag over the Olympic rings at the 2014 Sochi Games. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) Two big things will be missing from the Winter Olympics this February in South Korea: Russia's flag and the sound of its national anthem. The International Olympic Committee on Tuesday banned Russia because of doping in previous competitions believed to have been sanctioned by the Kremlin, reports the Washington Post. All is not lost for Russian athletes, however. Some will still be allowed to compete, but as individuals. They would be officially listed as an Olympic Athlete From Russia (OAR), reports the AP. Still unclear: whether Russia will order its athletes to boycott instead. The IOC also fined Russia $15 million. Read These Next The US just made a big move against Venezuela. Another big brand delivers an AI-driven holiday dud. Venezuela responds to the US seizure of an oil tanker. One donor, 197 kids, and a terrible genetic mutation. Report an error