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.