IMAGE: Ksenyia Ryzhova of Russia, second right, looks on with team-mates after competing in the women's 4x100 metres relay. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images.
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has received a reply from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), saying the exclusion of Russian track-and-field athletes from the Rio Olympics cannot be reversed, Russian news agencies reported on Wednesday.
"I have received a reply from (Sebastian) Coe. The decision which has been taken will not be revised," Mutko was quoted as saying, referring to IAAF President Sebastian Coe.
Mutko on Monday sent a letter to the IAAF asking it to allow clean Russian track-and-field athletes to take part in the Rio Olympics.
