Posted September 16th 2016 by The 2017 Running Awards
The IPC’s decision to ban all Russian athletes from the Paralympics, when the same action was not taken at the Olympics, not only caused a stir around the world but had some serious consequences. Here we look at our running community’s opinions on the decision following the results of last week’s poll.
The running community voted in favour of the ban, with nearly two-thirds, 65.4%, agreeing that all Russian athletes should be banned. By no means an overwhelming majority, but it does show how seriously such doping scandals can tarnish a reputation. Interestingly the IOC (International Olympic Committee) banned only 118 competitors of the 389-strong Russian team from the Olympics.
This discrediting of athletes and even nations is now the aim of Russian hacking group, the Fancy Bears, who released the medical records of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome amongst others. Froome, who has admitted taking a steroid for a chest infection, commented:
"I've openly discussed my TUEs (Therapeutic use exemption) with the media and have no issues with the leak which confirms my statements. In nine years as a professional I've twice required a TUE for exacerbated asthma, the last time was in 2014."
These hackings led to allegations of the group being linked to the state. Arguments centred around the fact that if there are accusations of state-funded doping why not hacking? At the very least it is likely that the hacking scandal would never have happened were it not for the ban.
A more positive reaction to the news was the launch of Russia’s own Paralympics with their opening ceremony on September 7th. The Games lasted 3 days, featured 263 athletes and was reported a huge success, by Russia.
Click here to see this week's Running Poll
Posted July 21st 2015 by The 2015 Running Awards in association with everydayhero
For years professional athletes across the world of sport have been turning to water training to gain that extra edge. Lornah Kiplagat (4 x world champion and Running Awards guest presenter) used deep water training whilst injured between 10th – 16th September 2006. On 17th September 2006 she broke the 10 mile world record. She has been an advocate ever since.
Posted December 02nd 2013
“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
Posted June 30th 2015 by The 2015 Running Awards in association with everydayhero
The historic Wimbledon tournament has seen famous winners renowned for their athleticism, from the agility of Becker, to the power of the Williams’ sisters and the speed of players such as Nadal. As the 2015 tournament gets underway we take a look at what impact running has on such stars.
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