On paper, Russia's Olympic podium chances strong despite ban

Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics – Opening ceremony – Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium - Pyeongchang, South Korea – February 9, 2018 - A volunteer carries the flag of the Olympic Athletes from Russia. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Reuters) - Russia's team for the Pyeongchang Olympics could be as formidable as previous ones even though the government says it was decimated by an International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to bar man of its medal hopefuls.

Data compiled by Reuters suggests that, at least on paper, the team for this month's Winter Olympic Games is as strong as past ones even without notable contenders such as excluded short track speed skater Viktor Ahn, a six-time Olympic gold medallist.