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Russian doping claims could represent shocking new dimension - IOC

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach talks to journalists following a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Pierre de Coubertin at the site of ancient Olympia in Greece, April 20, 2016. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis (Reuters)

BERLIN (Reuters) - Allegations of systematic doping in Russia, if proven true, would represent a "shocking" new dimension to the problem and more criminality than has been seen before, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday. Russia is at the heart of the biggest doping scandal in sport, with its track and field athletes suspended pending an investigation into allegations of widespread doping and their participation at this year's Rio Olympics in doubt. (Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Catherine Evans)