The stunning decision today by the International Olympic Committee to ban Russia from the 2018 Olympic Winter Games was historic. The nation’s flag will not be displayed at the Opening Ceremony, it’s national anthem will never play and its athletes will only be allowed to compete as “neutral” competitors if and only if they pass a strict anti-doping protocol. Beyond the fact the last games took place on Russian soil, this is a stunning blow to the regime of Vladimir Putin. However, if you’ve seen director Bryan Fogel‘s documentary “Icarus” this is a welcome suprise.
The film, which debuted at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, follows Fogel’s personal journey to use whatever means necessary to increase his times for a major amateur bicycle race he takes part in every year. He quickly stumbles upon Russian doctor Grigory Rodchenkov who opens the door to his nation’s massive doping infrustructure. Fogel’s investigation eventually uncovers the jaw-dropping means Putin’s regime went to coverup the use of steroid enhancing drugs by its athletes during the 2014 Sochi Games. A winter games that found Russia jumping from just 15 medalsto 33 medals in just four years. Rodchenkov went into hiding, but his testimony was key to punishing the Russia for its activities.
In a statement released after the ban was announced, Fogel and producer Dan Cogan remarked:
“We applaud today’s decision by the International Olympic Committee. As we learned in the making of our documentary ‘Icarus,’ the Russian state ran a vast, state-sponsored doping system that made a mockery of the Olympic ideals of brotherhood and fair play. We salute whistleblower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, who risked so much to tell this story, and support all those who are willing to speak truth to power.”
Beyond the ramifications for international relations and within the global sports community, the announcement is potentially a major win for “Icarus'” shot at making Oscar’s Best Documentary shortlist. The round of 15 should be announced later this month. Whether the votes determining the cutdown have fully been cast yet is unclear. Assuming “Icarus” makes that cut this amazing turn of events could propel it to an Oscar nomination.
“Icarus” is currently available to stream on Netflix.