The International Olympic Committee, IOC, has approved 271 Russian athletes to compete in the Rio Games. The IOC announced its decision last night, less than 24 hours before the Olympic flame is lit.But, 118 Russians are still barred from competition, thus the Russians will field their smallest Olympic team since 1912. There will be no Russian track and field, rowing or weightlifting teams this year. The IOC opted not to ban all Russian athletes from the Rio Olympics after revelations of a wide state-backed doping programme across many sports.