Why is Russia still cheating to get banned again when many of its country's top athletes could compete, medal, and win? Why not do a real clean-up? As Russia confronts a potential bar from the IOC at the 2024 Paris Olympics, there is an imperative for an overhaul of its athletic program.
Since the days of many nations hiding dirty vials, the Olympics have evolved to create enforcement mechanisms for clean athletics. Now, clean is sponsored and a winning formula. The IOC, national governing bodies, athletes, fans, and sponsors collectively yearn for a fair and honorable Olympics.
As confusion from the Valieva case continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against doping in the pursuit of fair competition on the world stage. Russia needs to clean up its act or continue to face consequences for its actions.
The Olympics should stand on its rules of elevating un-doped athletes. Canada deserves better.
Robert Weiner is a former spokesman for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and participated in meetings at WADA's Montreal headquarters. Ting Cui, the U.S. 2019 World Junior Figure Skating bronze medalist, and Gene Lambey are policy analysts at Robert Weiner Associates and Solution For Change.
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