Athletics news - Mo Farah and Nike on 'shocked' Salazar's four-year ban for doping violations
ByReuters
Updated 01/10/2019 at 13:14 GMT
Mo Farah and Nike have given their reaction after American athletics coach Alberto Salazar was handed a four-year ban for doping violations on Tuesday.
Galen Rupp, Alberto Salazar et Mo Farah en 2012
Image credit: Getty Images
The coach, who masterminded Mo Farah’s run to four Olympic titles, was punished by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for "orchestrating and facilitating prohibited doping conduct" as head coach of the Nike Oregon Project (NOP), a camp designed primarily to develop US endurance athletes.
Salazar has spoken of his shock at the ban and intends to appeal, while Farah said he is "glad there has finally been a conclusion".
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Alberto Salazar
Image credit: Imago
Scroll down for the reaction from Salazar, Farah, Nike and more...
'Shocked' Salazar will appeal
I am shocked by the outcome today. Throughout this six-year investigation my athletes and I have endured unjust, unethical and highly damaging treatment from USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency).
"This is demonstrated by the misleading statement released by Travis Tygart stating that we put winning ahead of athlete safety. This is completely false and contrary to the findings of the arbitrators...
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Coach Alberto Salazar
Image credit: Reuters
"I have always ensured the WADA code is strictly followed. The Oregon Project has never and will never permit doping.
"I will appeal and look forward to this unfair and protracted process reaching the conclusion I know to be true. I will not be commenting further at this time."
Farah 'relieved' a conclusion has been reached
"I'm relieved that USADA has, after four years, completed their investigation into Alberto Salazar," said Farah, who trained under Salazar from 2011 to 2017.
I left the Nike Oregon Project in 2017 but as I've always said, I have no tolerance for anyone who breaks the rules or crosses a line.
"A ruling has been made and I'm glad there has finally been a conclusion."
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Mo Farah (GBR) of Britain celebrates winning the gold
Image credit: Reuters
Hassan: Investigation no relation to me
"I am shocked to receive the news of today's ruling, especially during this time in which I am fully preparing for my next race in the world championships in Doha," said women's 10,000m champion Sifan Hassan, who joined Salazar's NOP in 2016.
"I like to state that this investigation is focused on the period before I joined the Oregon Project and therefore has no relation to me.
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Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands celebrates
Image credit: Getty Images
"I was aware of the ongoing investigations when I joined the team and have always had a clean conscience, knowing we are being monitored to the absolute fullest by USADA and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
I'm saddened by the timing of USADA as it brings my championship out of balance but I will focus all my energy on my next race and my performance in the 1500m."
Nike support Salazar's appeal
"Today's decision had nothing to do with administering banned substances to any Oregon Project athlete. As the panel noted, they were struck by the amount of care Alberto took to ensure he was complying with the World Anti-Doping Code.
We support Alberto in his decision to appeal and wish him the full measure of due process that the rules require. Nike does not condone the use of banned substances in any manner."
USA Track & FIeld statement
"USATF's commitment to clean sport and a level playing field for all athletes cannot be overstated. USATF's focus remains on the health and well-being of its athletes.
"USATF has taken the steps necessary to have Mr. Salazar's IAAF World Championships accreditation deactivated."
UK Athletics statement
"At all times UK Athletics fully cooperated with both USADA and UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) throughout the investigations.
"Furthermore the Performance Oversight Committee's own investigation in 2015 was restricted to the interaction of the Nike Oregon Project with Mo Farah and not an anti-doping investigation.
"Such investigations can and should only be undertaken by the relevant anti-doping authorities."
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