MP Robert Kitchen Supports IAAF Ban of Russian Track and Field Athletes
June 22, 2016, Souris – Moose Mountain, Ont. – On Friday, June 17, 2016, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) upheld the ban on Russia’s track and field team from competing due to systematic doping.
We recognize the IAAF’s independent right to determine the validity of their membership. The IAAF assessed the application and the actions of the Russian sports federation and determined that they do not meet IAAF standards due to the use of performance enhancing drugs. We trust that the Russian sports federation will adhere to any and all recommendations for their continued participation in international sporting events.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed their support for the continued ban of the Russian track and field team. Furthermore, on June 21, 2016, the IOC confirmed that they would uphold the ban for the upcoming Rio Olympics. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) also indicated their support for the IAAF’s decision to ban the Russian track and field team.
The IOC stated that all Russian athletes wishing to compete in Rio will need to be evaluated individually for doping by approved international authorities, and that those who pass the appropriate tests will be allowed to compete under the Russian flag.
Regardless of which country an athlete competes for, or which sport they compete in, athletes need to abide by the rules and must participate in their sport with honour. This ban is good news for Canadian athletes and all athletes around the world who compete in high performance sport, and it works toward making the playing field level for all competitors.
