A former Olympian turned athletics commentator says the IOC never had a better opportunity to send a clear anti-doping message to the world of sport.

The IOC has decided against a blanket ban on Russia, instead leaving it to individual sports to make the decision.

Martin Gillingham told Mike Hosking it was an "open goal", and the IOC has chosen not to kick the ball.

"I think to any reasonable person this looks like a fudge, it's obfuscation, it's call it what you will, it may even be simply a betrayal of sporting values, which is unfortunately they way I choose to see it."

New Zealand Olympic Committee President Mike Stanley said some sports are already indicating that Russian athletes will be able to attend the games.

"I imagine international federations are going through their records and looking at what they have on Russian athletes and will be doing due diligence on that."

LISTEN ABOVE: Former Olympian Martin Gillingham and NZ Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley speak with Mike Hosking