Sherlock: We must learn from mistakes
Speaking in his Athens Report on qualifications and standards, he said he believed that the closing date for athletics should not have been extended and that athletes should concentrate on qualifying in the year prior to the Games, so they can prepare without the strain of asking to qualify up to the last minute.
“In any event it is likely that the International Olympic Committee will impose a final entry date for all sports, including athletics and swimming for the Beijing Games,” he said.
“In the case of athletics, the OCI must satisfy itself on the standing of events outside Europe used for the purpose of qualifying for Beijing. In particular only events which have random drug testing approved by WADA should be recognised for qualification.”
As regards testing for prohibited substances, he said it was vital the OCI is fully informed of any substances or procedures used prior to entry.
“I wish to comment on the “Waterford Crystal” case in order to learn from it and be better prepared as we approach the Beijing Games.
“Within Olympic Sport equestrianism is unique in that: (i) The IOC or WADA do not control the testing of horses, which is a matter for the International Federation concerned, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) (ii) Out of competition testing does not occur in Equestrian Sport (iii) The presence of prohibited substances is only applicable at a competition, a competition site or in competition itself.
In this case it is important to note that the FEI Judicial Committee was ‘satisfied that the person responsible (Cian O’Connor) had established that he was not involved in a deliberate attempt to affect the performance of the horse’.
The Chef de Mission, William O’Brien, in his report on the Games said the lesson learnt from Sydney and Athens was that continuity is the key to providing the platform for Olympic teams.
“Our Olympic team lost that continuity following Atlanta 1966. The OCI was left outside the Isc-NGB games participation loop. Sydney to Athens redressed that situation,” he said.
“We are currently playing catch up with the nations that continued games continuity and our team performance results will possibly reflect this on through to the Beijing Games.
Pat Hickey was unanimously re-elected for another term as President of the OCI.
There are two major changes at the top table. Shay McDonald, 1st Vice-President, did not seek re-election while Louis Kilcoyne, the 2nd Vice-President, has stepped down to take over the role of European Liaison Director.
The replacements were unanimously elected, William O’Brien (Archery) as 1st Vice-President, and John Delaney, CEO of the FAI, 2nd Vice-President.
Dermot Sherlock was unanimously re-elected Honorary General Secretary and the outgoing Honorary Treasurer, Peadar Casey, was also unopposed.
There are two new faces on the Executive Committee, both from new sports, Susan Ahern (Volleyball) and Mike Kindle (Baseball).
: Susan Ahern (Volleyball), Mary Baneham (Basketball), Bobby Begley (Athletics), Dermot Henihan (Rowing), Billy Kennedy (Cycling), Mike Kindle (Baseball), Tom Rafter (Fencing).
