Lombard vows to fight doping in sport

The Irish Olympic athlete found guilty of drug offences vowed tonight to help in the fight against doping in sport.

Cathal Lombard, who has admitted taking the performance-enhancing drug EPO, apologised to his fellow athletes on the Irish Olympic team in a response to the Athletic Association of Ireland.

Lombard, 28, said: “As unbelievable and ironic as it may seem, I am strongly against doping in sport. It would be my greatest wish now to join the fight against doping and work in the anti-doping area.”

The AAI said the athlete was provisionally suspended and would probably face a two-year ban.

Lombard flew home from his Olympic training camp in Italy to issue a response to the AAI’s letter informing him of the urine test before the 5pm deadline today.

In the two-page letter Lombard apologised to the association and individual members for the heartache he caused.

“Regardless of the outcome of the disciplinary process against me, out of my respect for (fellow athlete) Mark Carroll and in the interest of the sport I want the Irish 10,000m record set by me in April annulled and returned to Mark as soon as possible,” he stated.

“I wish to apologise to my fellow athletes on the Irish Olympic team and those members of the association involved with the team for what has happened at this time.”

Lombard said he would be co-operating fully with the Irish Sports Council and passed-up his right to a hearing under the Irish anti-doping rules.

The AAI acknowledge Lombard’s co-operation and said officials were happy the athlete had waived his right for an analysis of the B sample.

Lombard said: “I believe that athletics in Ireland is generally a clean sport. It is a good sport and one which I love dearly. What I have one is very negative for the sport and I deeply regret that. I cannot now change the past, but I can contribute positively to the sport at some future point.”

The letter also commended Lombard’s coach Joe Doonan and said he had absolutely no knowledge of Lombard‘s drug-taking.

The athlete from Cork said the incident had deteriorated into a trial by media which had “gotten out of control”.

Lombard said he still attributed much of his improvement in athletics to a number of factors including training, lifestyle and nutrition.

“Much of that improvement was achieved without doping. I would like to give young people and my peers in Irish athletics the chance to believe that all that is true.

“I think the only way for me to do that is to remain in the sport, serve my ban and show what I can do as a clean athlete.”

He added: “People make mistakes in life. There are few who will stand up and acknowledge their mistakes. I made a grave error and will pay a very heavy price. I hope that in time you will afford me the opportunity to earn some semblance of respect again.”