Moira Gordon: ‘The Olympics should reward those who resist urge to cheat’

THERE is a fundamental problem with the argument touted this week by, amongst others, Scotland’s David Millar in the wake of American LaShawn Merritt’s successful challenge to his Olympics ban.

The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to permit the drugs cheat to compete at London 2012 leaves the way clear for the likes of British cyclist Millar, who was banned for two years in 2004 for using the performance-enhancing protein hormone EPO, and fellow Briton Dwain Chambers, who tested positive for the banned steroid THG, to challenge the British Olympic Association’s stance.

As expected a list of clean competitors have voiced strong opposition. But Millar, who has served his time and is, laudably, trying to be a force against that which once blighted him, is one of those who has talked about rehabilitation.

“We expect fairness to be an integral part of the sports we watch, and yet fairness can be hard to find in the punishments of those athletes who make mistakes. A lifetime ban for a first offence does not encourage rehabilitation nor education, two things necessary for the future prevention of doping in sport.”

Of course there has to be a place for redemption, a need for forgiveness. It is meted out in the real world when lawbreakers serve their time and are welcomed back into society. But they have to accept that actions, even those reckless deeds which are sincerely regretted, have consequences. It remains on their record and certain doors remain closed as a result. To preserve what is special about the Olympics, it has to be that way in sport.

An Olympic medal has usually been a lifetime dream for competitors. A lifetime of sacrifice, hard work and dedication. The optimum event, they don’t come around often, so the window for success is relatively small. The aim is to peak at just the right time. Millar talks about second chances. What about those who only get one chance at the Olympic medal they dedicated their life to? What about when they have to watch a cheat prosper ahead of them knowing that age or circumstance mean their opportunity will never come again?

I’ve spoken to men and women who have suffered that insult and they resent it. Rightly so. These are highly determined and focused individuals who were driven to succeed but who came in fourth, knowing that one of those occupying the podium spots ahead of them was aided by one banned substance or another.

That’s one very good reason why the Olympics should remain sacrosanct. Yes, let the drugs cheat return to the arena, cowed and apologetic. Afford them the chance to make a living and rediscover their respect for a sport they once loved before they lost their way and besmirched it. Accept that people make mistakes and even let them compete for major medals in the World Championships, which come around more frequently. But the Olympics are the pinnacle. They remain special, for the competitors and the spectators. The corporate machine has tried to chew the Games up and spit them back out but on the track, on the road, in the pool and in the sporting arenas the essence of the Olympics still shines through. That’s the legacy we want for our youngsters when the circus leaves town next autumn.

Other countries may have no choice but to select the likes of Merritt, but for as long as we can, let us stave off that sad day. Let’s take a stand and fight for what the Olympics truly means. If the Olympics and their sport means anything to those involved they will leave the BOA’s rule unchallenged. The people who dedicate their lives to representing Great Britain with honour and integrity deserve that. The people who have won gold and want it to still mean something deserve it and the people who are sat at home wondering what might have been deserve it. Millar feared that the CAS decision would bring the haters out of the woodwork. But it’s not about hating him or other offenders, it’s about admiring and rewarding those who resist the urge. It’s about protecting the Games.

People deserve a second chance but, please, not at the expense of the Olympics.