In light of revelations over the weekend that associated Ian Thorpe to a doping violation, the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) has a number of questions to answer:
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Given ASADA CEO Mr Ings has said that the test in question was negative, why is ASADA now saying that they have been investigating the case for 10 months, 7 months longer than what would be considered reasonable?
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Given that an athletes name is only made public once a notifiable offence is registered, (and Thorpe’s test was deemed negative), how, when and why was Thorpe’s name linked with this test result and how was it leaked?
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When would have the athlete been notified if it were not for the leak to the media?
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Why had Ian Thorpe still received no written notification from ASADA regarding his disputed test result by the time he gave his press conference despite ASADA conducting two press conferences (inside and outside the Swimming World Champs) to discuss Ian Thorpe’s test results the night before?
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Why was the test in question deemed negative in the first place if it required more investigation?
ASADA must answer these questions urgently as their competence is now in question. This reflects badly on Australia’s credibility and reputation as being tough on drugs in sport.
ASADA’s processes for investigations need to be crystal clear. For example, ASADA’s ability to manage athlete confidentiality in accordance with the WADA code is once again in question.
The public and the sports community have a right to know that a proper process is driving the fight against doping in sport.
It is a grave indictment on the processes and systems ASADA have in place when an athlete is forced to defend a violation that according to ASADA did not occur.
Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059
