Despite hyperbolic language that Russia had been barred from the 2018 Winter Olympics, in truth it may have gotten off fairly lightly for undermining the previous Winter Games, which it hosted, with systematic doping.

Russian athletes will still be allowed to compete in February in South Korea if they can show they have passed rigorous drug screening protocols. And they will wear uniforms that identify them as an “Olympic Athlete From Russia” instead of as an independent athlete.

Yes, the Russian Olympic Committee has been suspended. And its athletes would not march under the Russian flag at the opening ceremony or hear the Russian anthem played if they win gold medals (they will hear the Olympic anthem).

But the punishment would have been much harsher with a prohibition of all Russian athletes.

The International Olympic Committee’s decision will be seen as more than fair in the international sports world. The committee penalized Russia for its widespread doping program but kept the door open — perhaps widely — for athletes who could show they have been tested regularly and have not been caught using banned substances.