Russian wrestler Nadezhda Sokolova is determined to compete in the Paris Olympics even if that means taking part as an independent.

One of Russia¡¯s top freestyle wrestlers, Sokolova and dozens of other Russian and Belarusian athletes seeking Olympic glory this summer will have to compete without their country¡¯s flags or anthems.

Russian sports chiefs in several other disciplines, including boxing, gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics, have said their athletes won¡¯t go to the Games because they refuse to submit to what they see as humiliating and unfair demands.