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Dr. Clemens Prokop, President of the German Track & Field Federation (DLV) ©DLV
Open Letter to the President of the International Olympic Committee Dr. Thomas Bach – By Dr. Clemens Prokop, President of the German Track & Field Federation (DLV)
Dear Mr. President,
On June 17, the IAAF Council will decide whether or not to exclude Russia's track and field athletes from the Olympic Games. It appears that some leaders in the world of sport contemplate – in case of an exclusion – to grant Russian athletes eligibility for the Olympics in Rio provided that they have not been tested positive for doping substances.
It is obvious that the IOC’s announcement to double the number of doping controls prior to Rio and in particular to have them carried out in countries like Russia and Kenya has to be seen in light of the above.
The discussion about the eligibility of athletes from countries whose doping control systems do not comply with the world-wide standard set by the World Anti-Doping Agency is the reason for this open letter I am writing to you on behalf of athletes represented by the German athletics federation.
It is undisputed that the biggest enforcement enhancing effects are derived from doping in times of training peaks. The relevant training window in this regard was with respect to the 2016 Olympic Games autumn 2015 and in spring 2016. Thus, a level playing field at the competitions in Rio requires that a deterrent doping control system was operational during these relevant periods. This is indispensable in order to guarantee equal opportunities for the athletes in Rio.
The time period immediately preceeding the Olympic Games is only of secondary relevance when trying to profit from doping effects. Thus, any anti-doping measures that are being introduced today are inept from the outset to compensate for the long-term structural deficits and shortfalls in the fight against doping.
Such acitivities on a short-term basis will, therefore, never restore the level playing field in athletics.
According to media reports, some countries had no control system complying with WADA's requests in those doping efficient periods mentioned above. Should athletes from such countries be allowed to compete in Rio, DLV athletes see their right to equal treatment and equal opportunity blatantly violated, because there is no reassurance whatsoever that their competitor has not used prohibited substances during the time in question.
Dear Mr. President, you are often quoted saying: "Protecting clean athletes has priority".
The recent findings regarding the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games have shown that the principle of equality of opportunity has not always been enforced. This not only constitutes a betrayal of athletes, but also a betrayal of the IOC and the Olympic ideals.
Therefore I kindly ask you to take athletes' concerns seriously and to use all possible means for ensuring fair competitions and equality of opportunity in Rio. We all owe this to the athletes.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Clemens Prokop
DLV-President
