So this week we have heard from Cyclists and Sprinters who are appealing for themselves or colleagues, previously banned for doping offences to be allowed to compte at the London Olympipcs.
Scottish Cyclist David Millar and English Sprinter Dwain Chambers have both served drugs bans in their respective sports, from which they have come back to become elite atheletes once again, sans drugs.
While realistically none are individual medal hopes, they would potentially help their country in the team events (road race and relay respectively).
British Olympic rules ban competitors who have served a drugs ban from competing with in a British Olympic team, however these rules are stricter than the International rules which allow competitors back into their sport after 'serving their time'.
One side of the story says, they have had their punishment and recovered from it - they should not be denied this opportunity assuming they now play by the rules. Another side says, they have had their chance, they cheated and their place should go to younger atheletes who have not used drugs.
While drugs are a problem in many sports, Cycling and Sprinting have been the most high profile casualties and there was a time where people would watch the Tour de France and wonder if anyone was not breaking the rules. The levels of endurance are so intense & margins so tight in these sports that competitors seek an edge here - more so than in other sports and both Millar & Chambers were convicted of willfully breaking the rules (rather than just being caught out with an erroneous drink or prescription).
Both are resolved, it seems, to living drug free and competing on good old fashioned hard work and dedication. Both, you could argue, were victims of their ambitions - perhaps being encouraged by coaches that 'everyone is doing it' or 'this is the only way you can be competitive' and rather than whistleblowing systemic problems in their sport that may have then rejected them from making a living, they chose to go with the flow, and were just unlucky to get caught. Arguably doubly unlucky to be born in a country that has such a strict Olympic Association.
Personally I don't know the answer. Perhaps I would just err on the side of 'let them in', but I'm sure if I knew a young cyclist or sprinter who was next in line for a call-up to the team I would be firmly in the other camp. Clearly it would set a precedent and certainly these two individuals are in the twilight of their careers, so it is clear they have had their chance to an extent, which they will likely be denying someone this year of.
My guess is that the BOA will not budge on this, however the World Anti Doping Agency is challenging this and it is possible it may be overturned. Millar & Chambers will find out in the next few weeks, but I'm sure they are already in full preparation in the event of getting a second chance.
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