Unlike in various sports' federations, the Olympics has a specific message to deliver and allowing dopers back into the fold goes against those values.
The Olympics was created with the ethos of peace and inclusion.
In Ancient Greece, wars stopped for the duration of the games, enemies faced each other in healthy competitions instead of throwing weapons at each other. The purpose, to get a glimpse of equality in the eyes of the Gods, recharging and motivating patriotism by the inclusion of all. The Games have values, of freedom, peace and above all respect.
It was not meant to be for professionals to take part, but money talks and professionals are invited to take part. Money has ruined the Olympics as it has created a commercial monster, aimed at companies' wealth and trade. That has brought fierce competition which has pushed doping to stellar heights to gain results.
The only way to try retain the original spirit is to stop the win-at-all-cost attitude. That means dopers should be banned and stay banned.
Take the example of David Millar in cycling. He doped, served his time given by the Federation, then came back and is currently riding for Garmin-Cervelo Team. Allegedly Sky would have wanted him in their team, but their ethics prevent them from hiring riders with doping history. If that ethos is good enough for a team why can't it be good enough for the Olympics (or the other teams as well). After all the reason for that ethos is that sponsors don't want any connection to doping if at all possible. And perhaps sponsors wouldn't leave the sport as fast as this.
Life ban is harsh but necessary if the Games want to retain the respect other sports have lost on the way.
I fully agree with every word of this. In my opinion, irrespective of country or organizations, no-one who doped should be included in these games. All it would do is cheapen the Olympics and possibly prevent a clean rider/athlete etc from competing because a doper has been allocated a place on the respective teams. Life ban should stay.
ReplyDeleteMoney has ruined the Olympics? Yes, before only the rich and noble could take part, but now anyone with ability can possibly win the gold medal, even those bottom feeders who actually compete in sport to make a living. While Larry doesn't agree with your reasoning he does feel national federations should be able to select athletes based on certain merits. Especially as the Olympics offer no prize money there's a privilege to represent your country. If your country doesn't want you because you once cheated and were caught, too bad.
ReplyDeleteBizarrely there is an EPO advert on the side of this page!
ReplyDeleteAgree with the sentiment. However it is a shame in David Millar's case as he's one of the only ex-dopers to become a strong anti-doping campaigner. He's now doing a lot of good, using the experience of his mistakes to help others.
Separate doping Olympic matter. It's strange that we still hold Ben Johnson as one of the worst offenders when history is showing all 8 in that final line up were "enhanced", he was very much in a level playing field.