Run to Win

Things are not looking so good for Justin Gatlin. His appeal to reduce his ban from 4 years to 2 years was rejected by CAS. USATF President Bill Roe had this to say:

“USA Track & Field respects the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding Justin Gatlin’s eligibility. This case has been complex and nuanced, and we are glad that it has come to a final resolution. Throughout the entire BALCO saga, the critical lessons have been clear: athletes must take responsibility for the substances they put into their bodies, and must choose wisely the individuals with whom they associate. We are now looking ahead, focusing on the Team USA squad for the Olympic Games that will be chosen at the Olympic Trials. These are the athletes who will take track and field into a brighter present and future.”

I am not surprised by this decision, but I do think that he got the short end of the stick. Gatlin’s first offense was because of medication he had been prescribed as a kid for ADHD, and I don’t think that the punishment that he received in college should necessarily have had any bearing on his professional career.

The matter is settled now, though, so in 2010 he can decide whether he wants to compete again or not.

(More Information: CAS - USATF)

The Court for Arbitration of Sport is looking for a new president, and two names have been floated. The first is Geneva-based lawyer Robert Briner.

The other nominee? Former head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Dick Pound. He was nominated by the International Olympic Committee, and a vote could come as early as April on who the next president will be.

If Dick Pound is elected to be the head of CAS, then I hope that he does a better job there than he did at WADA. He did a lot of good work at WADA, but he also turned his office into a laughingstock at times and seemed more interested in his private vendettas than in finding real proof or following legal procedures. He finished his time in office there on a high note, though, so if he is elected then I hope that he carries it forward into his new career.

(Further Reading: CBC Sports)