11 more Russians cleared to compete at track worlds

MONACO (AP) — The IAAF has cleared 11 more Russians to compete as neutral athletes in time for the upcoming track world championships.

An IAAF vetting panel says the 11 athletes, including six current national champions, have been given exemptions from Russia’s ban on competing internationally.

They include high jumper Mikhail Akimenko, whose jump of 2.33 meters in July is tied for the second-best height in the world this year.

Russia’s team has been barred from international events since 2015 because of widespread doping, but more than 120 competitors have been allowed to participate as neutral athletes.

The world championships start in Doha, Qatar, on Sept. 27.