Russia's athletic chief dismisses Olympic doping reports

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MOSCOW, August 6 (RIA Novosti) - The president of the All-Russian Athletics Federation dismissed media reports Wednesday that a further 11 Russian athletes have tested positive for banned substances in the run up to the Beijing Olympics.

Valentin Balakhnichev dismissed media reports, which cited federation sources, that 11 Russian athletes were involved in the doping scandal, saying, "This is the first I've heard of it and I have no idea where this information has come from."

Seven Russian female athletes, including five selected for the Beijing Olympics, were temporarily suspended by the IAAF on July 31 for providing false urine samples and "tampering" with doping control procedures.

The female athletes were banned following an 18 month IAAF investigation. They include medal hopefuls Yelena Soboleva (800 and 1,500 meters), Tatyana Tomashova (1,500 meters) and Darya Pishchalnikova (discus).

And in a further development the IOC medical commissioner Arne Ljungqvist accused Russia of "systematic doping" following reports Tuesday that a further three athletics - two race walkers and a cyclist - had been suspended by Russia following positive tests.

The Olympic Games will take place August 8-24.

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