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"Protect the clean athletes, they are the ones getting hurt" - Betsy Andreu

One of Sebastian Coe's promises when named as the new IAAF President was to crackdown on the use ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

13.28 20 Aug 2015


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"Protect the clean ath...

"Protect the clean athletes, they are the ones getting hurt" - Betsy Andreu

Newstalk
Newstalk

13.28 20 Aug 2015


Share this article


One of Sebastian Coe's promises when named as the new IAAF President was to crackdown on the use of drugs in athletics.

Newstalk Lunchtime spoke to Betsy Andreu about Coe's election and whether athletics may follow the same mistakes as cycling made. Andreu and her husband Frankie were instrumental in banning Lance Armstrong over drug use throughout his career. 

Ahead of the World Athletics Championships that begin this weekend in China, their governing body the IAAF is coming under scrutiny over their drug policy. The Sunday Times have reported that the IAAF vetoed a survey showing up to a third of top athletes at the 2011 World Championships in South Korea admitted  to cheating in the previous 12 months.

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Andreu claims that there is a "business relationship" and "a conlfict of interests" between Coe and the President of the World Anti Doping Agency Craig Reedie. The two men worked together on the London 2012 Olympic bid and also together during the buildup to the Games on the Organising Committee.

Coe gives former UCI Presidents Pat McQuaid and Hein Verbruggen "a run for the money" according to Andreu in his denials over problems with the sport. 

When asked by Jonathan Healy, what advice Andreu would give Coe as IAAF President, her response was very simple. "Be transparent!"

"Protect the clean athletes, they are the ones getting hurt" - Betsy Andreu

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