Cyclist Millar believes BOA’S drug stance is too draconian
CYCLIST David Millar believes a lifetime ban from the Olympics for drug cheats is too draconian.
The Scot served a two-year ban after being caught doping and will miss next year’s Olympic Games in London if the British Olympic Association’s by-law is allowed to stand.
The BOA is the only organisation remaining committee to stick by that law and it has been deemed to violate the World Anti-Doping Agency’s global code.
Millar believes the BOA’s stance does not allow for the rehabilitation of offenders.
“A first-time offence is punished with a lifetime ban, but every case must be judged on its own merits,” he said.
“Not every single athlete should be treated the same way. Cases are so different and nothing can be judged the same way.
“There is a place for lifetime bans in sport, but I’d like to think what I’ve been through is a shining example of being worth a second chance.
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“I push very hard now to educate people on the complexities of doping within sport.
“We’re getting better at catching cheats, but WADA are trying to universalise the sanctioning process.
“Every country must act under the same umbrella.”
If CAS find the BOA by-law invalid, Millar could compete at London 2012 alongside sprinter Dwain Chambers and shot putter Carl Myerscough, who also served bans.
“I was quite surprised by WADA’s action, I thought it was something that would happen post-Olympics. To have WADA react so quickly is quite good,” he said.
“I’d written off the Olympics a long time ago. I didn’t want to challenge the lifetime ban, there are certain fights I don’t want to fight and that was one of them.
“I just don’t fancy being vilified any more, it’s been quite a tough few years. I’m pleased WADA are fighting it.
“We’ll see about London 2012, it’s not something I’ve dreamt about. We’ll leave it out there and see what happens.”
