The editor deserves much credit for the detailed and well-balanced article on “Doping Issues”, (TMID, 25 August).

Despite the apparent numerical decrease that was registered during the Olympic Games, as rightly mentioned there were many other athletes who were banned from taking part after they were found positive when tested without notice outside competition.

Just weeks prior to the opening, it was announced that 45 athletes from 11 different countries were banned. Many, many more were suspended before and possibly their suspension went unnoticed. Not all the banned athletes were as famous as the disgraced Marion Jones. However Victor Conte and the BALCO steriods scandal are not easily forgotten.

One has also to remember that top sportsmen/women are idols, and their impact on kids is phenomenal. Think of the damage shameful cheats can have on our children!

Doping in sport is a major problem. And like any other major problem, must be tackled seriously, with watchdogs always ready to pounce.

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge had predicted about 30 to 40 positive results during the actual Games of competition. The Chinese authorities provided 200 top class scientists who examined 45,000 cases and delightfully Rogge’s prediction was proved wrong. But surely, the worldwide battle against doping is far from won.

The random tests during the last 12 months proved that many athletes and their corrupt coaches insist on taking illicit substances to enhance performance.

The figure of 45 from 11 different countries shows that the doping issue is very serious. The alleged claim by the International Olympic Committee that there was “a case of systematic planned doping” which has been uncovered following the suspension of seven Russian athletes by the International Athletics ruling body (IAAF), is alarming. Among these, the names of Yelena Soboleva and Tatyana Tomashova seem very familiar.

Maybe one of the main reasons which is not strongly emphasised is the financial rewards that follow success.

As long as sponsors continue to dish out millions for their chosen successful athletes, the major problem of doping in sport remains. Sponsors only go for winners and famous faces. Athletes are generally determined to hit the limelight for glory, fame and money.

That gives an easy equation.

TONY FORMOSA

Pieta