If, as seems likely, Russian athletes are banned from the Olympic games, will the games lose their meaning? Will any winner be able to call themselves "the best" if untested against the Russians?

I don't think so. Other countries have been banned from the Olympics over the years also. The Russians will always claim to be the "best" any way. Win or lose. Actually? I don't think they really care. Whoever the winners are from whatever country they come from are the best of the best. I don't think they will be missed nor do I think the athletes themselves care.

My faith in and my interest in the Olympics waned many years ago. It used to be something that I eagerly looked forward to when I was younger but with all of the scandals coming to light over the years, it's just another waste of time and money.

The USA boycotted the 1980 Olympics. 

Personally, although the medal winners are supposed to be the best of the best, it's still a question of "on any given Sunday" (sphere or oblate spheroid).

Of course, when I was in phys ed, you got credit for showing up to class, not performance----fortunately; so I can't pretend to know how it affects the atheletes themselves.