Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics
And before the Games, the Russian team faced the possibility of a blanket ban from Rio due to masterminding an alleged doping ring. The IOC did not hand down that punishment, and that is why 271 of its athletes are competiting.
But the nation's paralympians are not so lucky, as they have been suspended for allegedly taking part in the scheme as well. Russia is planning to appeal the decision handed down by IPC chief Philip Craven.
"The Russian Paralympic Committee will not be able to enter its athletes into the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The Russian Paralympic Committee was informed of our decision earlier today. It is a decision that has placed a huge burden upon all our shoulders. And a decision we had to take in the best interests of the Paralympic movement today and moving forward," said Philp Craven, IPC president.