The IOC on Thursday approved the entry of 271 Russian athletes to the Rio Olympics, meaning 70 percent of the country's original team will compete after a doping scandal dominated the buildup to the games.

Also on Thursday, the IOC rule barring Russian athletes with prior doping sanctions from competing in the Games was rejected as "unenforceable" by a sports arbitration panel, a decision that could open the door to further appeals and more Russians being entered.

The International Olympic Committee announced the go-ahead for 271 Russian athletes about 24 hours before the opening ceremony of the Games. Overall, more than 100 Russians have been excluded, including 67 in track and field.