Isinbayeva terms CAS ruling a 'funeral for athletics'

Russia's pole vault athlete Yelena Isinbayeva termed CAS' ruling to reject Russia's appeal against a ban imposed on its track and field team a 'funeral for athletics'.

'Thank you everyone for the funeral of track and field athletics.'

Russia's pole vault athlete Yelena Isinbayeva termed CAS' ruling to reject Russia's appeal against a ban imposed on its track and field team as a 'funeral for athletics'.

> Read: CAS rejects Russia appeal, bars athletes from Rio

"Thank you all for this funeral for athletics," Isinbayeva told TASS . "Thank you everyone for the funeral of track and field athletics. This is a purely political order. All arguments are aimed against ARAF (All-Russia Athletics Federation) and there is nothing concrete against athletes," Isinbayeva said.

> Read: Russia lashes out at CAS doping appeal rejection

"This is not sports but politics," she added. "But we are athletes without any political skills. Let them rejoice."

Isinbayeva also pointed out there was a ray of hope in the form of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). "IOC is entitled to make their own decision. They said it again - looks like rejection, but IOC can decide something on separate athletes. I should say it once again - the final decision will be announced by IOC President Tomas Bach," she added.