Not in any way is this suspension fair. The IOC never seems to act consistently. How can they justify a "zero tolerance policy" when just a few weeks prior to the games they reinstated Javier Sotomayor half way through a 2 year suspension for cocaine. He tested positive several times and is allowed to compete. Does this mean that cocaine is on an equal level with cold medication? Why is it that one athlete's suspension is lifted just in time for the Games, while another is severly punished for a minor offense after their event is completed? Which is more important to the IOC? The spectacle of the Games or the integrity of the competition?
John Burgess, Fulton, MO, USA.
As a sports fan and enthusiast, I find it the height of insult to strip the gold medal from an innocent 16 year-old whilst the so-called experienced officials of the same event got away with a mere apology for making such a mind-boggling mistake as setting the vault with a 15cm error. It is hard to believe that the inadvertent taking of one Nurofen tablet could have enhanced her performance to such an extent as to enable her to come out on top (or are atheletes not allowed to have the occasional bout of flu these days?). Moreover, I don't remember the IOC taking such a prophylactic and uncompromising attitude towards that rather sordid affair concerning Salt Lake City. A pity.
Arif Zain, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
