From Beijing To Paris -- Russia's Fractious Relations With Sports

At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Russians had to compete under the flag of Russia's Olympic Committee (Credit: AFP)

Doping, sanctions, Ukraine, an escalating war of words: Sporting powerhouse Russia's behaviour since breaking the Olympic truce in 2008 with the invasion of Georgia has taxed the patience of sporting bodies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who revelled in being photographed competing in his favoured event of judo, viewed sporting excellence and hosting major events as central to his programme.