The announcements of track and field’s latest doping case or multiyear suspension arrived on an almost weekly basis this spring.
The most immediate consequence, according to the official charged with pursuing doping violations in the sport, has been to create the impression that track has a serious doping problem, one perhaps much bigger than that of other sports in the Paris Olympics.
The reality, he said, is that catching athletes who break the rules is the point.
“I would be much more concerned to be a fan of other sports that don’t have any doping cases,” said Brett Clothier, the Australian lawyer who leads the Athletics Integrity Unit, the body charged with catching track’s doping cheats.
“Having no cases doesn’t mean no doping.”
Persons:
“, ”, Brett Clothier
Organizations:
Paris Olympics, Athletics Integrity Unit
Locations:
Paris