25 Jul 2016

NZOC called to account

9:46 am on 25 July 2016

Drugfree Sport New Zealand says it's disappointed by the New Zealand Olympic Committee's endorsement of the IOC and its decision not to impose a blanket ban on Russia at the Rio Olympics.

The chief executive of Drugfree Sport New Zealand Graeme Steel has called the IOC decision "extremely disappointing" and can't understand how the NZOC believes it is an appropriate response to the state sponsored Russian doping programme.

The chief executive of Drug Free Sport New Zealand, Graeme Steel.

The chief executive of Drug Free Sport New Zealand, Graeme Steel. Photo: Supplied

"I am very disappointed...this is something we think is pretty important and certainly we will be having discussions with them (the NZOC) about how it is that they have come to the view that this is an appropriate decision," said Steel

The IOC has made it the responsibility of individual sports' world governing bodies decide if Russian athletes are clean and can compete in Rio.

Drugfree sport New Zealand says believes the decision is a black day for clean athletes and undermines the work which anti-doping agencies are doing.

NZOC president Mike Stanley.

NZOC president Mike Stanley. Photo: Photosport

"Earlier this year the IOC said International Sporting federations should not be involved in anti-doping work, they are conflicted and now in almost the same breath (they) are saying we will give responisbility back to them," said Steel.

Steel said this was the the IOC has "failed absolutely" in its role of up holding the integrity of sport.

"I can't imagine there wasn't heavy political pressure involved in this decision and ...it would simply be a matter of them upholding the principles of their charter."

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