The leading British sprinter Adam Gemili has warned the widespread doping unearthed in Russia could be taking place in “a lot of other countries” – and urged the authorities to act.
Gemili, who has been warm-weather training in Qatar after recovering from the hamstring tear that forced him to miss the world championships, said he hoped the World Anti-Doping Agency would expand its investigations to other potential black spots following the publication of Dick Pound’s report.
“I read that document and it said there were other countries as well so there’s a lot more investigation that needs to be done,” he said. “Personally I don’t think it has just been going on with Russia but that’s for them to get out there and sort out.”
Gemili, the only British athlete to run under 10 seconds for the 100m and 20 seconds for the 200m, also urged fans not to “lose faith” in track and field despite the problems that have rocked the sport to its foundations in recent weeks.
“I train so hard every day I know what work I put into it so it’s a shame when people think the sport isn’t credible anymore,” he said. “You’ve got the big names, Usain Bolt who’s a clean guy and leading the sport, saying this is what we can do clean. Don’t give up faith in the sport. That’s why I think it was extremely important him winning in Beijing.”
Gemili, who yesterday graduated with a 2:1 in sports and exercise science from the University of East London, admitted he would like to see other countries adopt the UK Anti-Doping Agency’s rigorous testing model.
“We get tested so often in Britain,” he said. “If anyone is doing it, it’s very difficult to get away with it. You would like to think that is happening across the globe in every country. Unfortunately it’s not. That’s down to the IAAF and Wada to actually put that into place and make sure every time I’m getting a knock at the door, someone in other countries is also getting tested just as much.”
Gemili also backed Sebastian Coe to turn athletics’ fortunes around, despite the corruption inquiry by French police into former members of the IAAF. “Seb’s been under a lot of fire,” Gemili said. “But I know what he’s like and how passionate he is about athletics. I have a lot of faith in him and I believe he will – as best as he can – clean up the sport.”
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