World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has issued a strong warning to athletes who attempt to gain an unfair advantage by using performance-enhancing drugs. He emphasized that these individuals will face close scrutiny and surveillance through advanced technology, ensuring that they will not find restful sleep. Additionally, Coe discussed the Commonwealth Games and addressed security concerns in Paris.
Sebastian Coe, a former British athlete renowned for his prowess in middle-distance events and his victories as the Olympic 1500m champion in Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 (where he set records), understands the true essence of competitive sports. He firmly believes that rewarding those who cheat undermines not only the integrity of athletics but also the efforts of all other athletes involved.
With the approach of the European summer and the upcoming Paris Olympics, Coe has taken a firm stance against the use of performance-enhancing drugs, which essentially equates to cheating. He succinctly states, “You will not experience restful sleep,” conveying his unwavering position on athletes who resort to illegal substances. Coe, born in London 67 years ago, remains optimistic that advancements in technology will contribute to cleaner Games compared to previous editions. Notably, technological advancements have significantly improved over the years, from Tokyo to Paris, particularly in the detection of banned substances.
This warning was delivered during the Hay Festival, which commenced on May 23 and is currently ongoing.
One of the issues that Coe expressed sadness about is the presence of doping controversies in athletics. He believes that despite education programs and deterrents, there will always be individuals who are willing to take risks and cross moral boundaries. Coe, who served as chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, acknowledged that human nature plays a role in this.
However, Coe remains optimistic about the use of technology in detecting doping. He warned that no athlete should feel confident in getting away with it.
During an interview conducted at a festival organized by a non-profit organization that focuses on stories, ideas, and new possibilities, Coe was asked about Israeli athletes’ inclusion in the Games and the associated security implications. He acknowledged that the situation is more complex than it was during London 2012 due to the presence of multiple conflicts. In his view, Paris poses more challenges than London in this regard.
At the festival held in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, UK, there is a desire to delve deeper into various topics beyond current events. One topic discussed was World Athletics’ decision to ban transgender women who transitioned after puberty.