Fair competition values to beat doping threat

Athletics has been in the news for all the negative reasons in recent weeks after illicit substance, Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), was traced in urine samples of several top performers who were immediately suspended from all competition in one of the major scandals to hit the top Olympic discipline.

The implications this controversy is set to have on athletics is among the topics discussed during the 26th European Congress of Athletics Coaches which started yesterday at the Coastline Hotel.

Around 100 coaches, from 33 countries, have assembled in Malta to discuss the main theme of the meeting - Speed Development.

Speaking during his welcoming speech of the seminar, which comes to a close tomorrow, European Athletics Coaching Association (EACA) president Frank Dick has appealed to fellow coaches that the only way to reduce doping in athletics is by promoting the values of fair competition in their athletes.

"Doping is a serious threat towards the integrity of the sport. The athletes found guilty of making use of illicit substances are giving the wrong image to a discipline which is the perfect advert for health and fair competition," Dick contended.

"Unfortunately, athletes seem too much concerned in obtaining instant results with the least sacrifice possible. They are unwilling to take the time needed to improve their performance and instead opt for a short-term success even if that means cheating.

"We all have a responsibility to infuse the true values of sport in our athletes. Fair competition is essential if we are to attract more performers to our sport. The young ones should look up at our champions and see in them true role models."

The official opening of the seminar will be held this morning in the presence of Minister for Youth and the Arts Jesmond Mugliett.

Also present for the occasion will be European Athletics Association president Hajrorg Wirz and Malta Amateur Athletics Association head Anthony Chircop.