Athletes from the Russian Olympic Commission, or ROC, racked up medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and are poised to earn more in Beijing at the 2022 Winter Olympics. While independent from Russia, their success has renewed attention to a scandal that sidelined their home country for two years.
The World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia from competing in the Olympics between 2020 and 2022 after an investigation revealed the country sponsored the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
Athletes competing under the ROC flag cannot display the Russian flag on their uniforms or at podiums, and the Russian anthem cannot be played in medal ceremonies.
