Whistleblower Stepanova runs buts fails to reach 800 semi

AMSTERDAM (AP) Doping whistleblower Yulia Stepanova of Russia ran in the European championships on Wednesday but failed to reach the semifinals of the 800 meters, limping across the finishing line last in her heat.

She was competing as a neutral athlete under a special exemption since her nation is barred from competing because of a doping scandal.

Stepanova is the only Russian at the championships running under such a special exemption. She is half of a husband-and-wife team whose testimony of doping within the Russian team, including undercover footage of apparent doping confessions, has formed an important part of evidence against Russia.

Stepanova hopes to compete in the Olympics.