Q- I was wondering if you had any information on what will happen to the medals of Marion Jones Teammates medals, if they would be stripped and reallocated also?  Is the executive board to decide next week if the teams next in line would receive the medals since Marion Jones admitted steroid use while competing was against the rules?  I hate that could happen to her teammates, but at the same time, if I was on the other team, I would definitely want my medal.

HA- On Dec 12, 2007 the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee formally stripped Marion Jones of all of her Olympic Medals, including those earned in both the 1600-meter and 400-meter relays in Athens 2004.

Those medals had already been voluntarily sent back by Ms. Jones prior to the Committee's formal request.  United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth had suggested that her relay teammates also voluntarily return their medals as he feels the medals were tainted by Jones' presence.   But none of the athletes involved has volunteered to do so.

In light of this, IOC Executive Board Member Denis Oswald and IOC Vice President Thomas Bach have said they will offer the runners a hearing to make their case. Oswald has stated, “They wouldn’t just lose the medals because of Jones. We have to be careful to protect their rights.”

As yet, this hearing has not been held. I have contacted the IOC to see when this matter may be coming up on their agenda.

Conway Hill

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Q- Hi!

Will you please clarify the differences  concerning the 3 cases Thanou-Kenteris, Chambers, Christina Ohuruogu. Were the 3 cases treated in a consistent way by  IAAF, the relevant Athletics Federation and the international press? If not why?

Iakovakis and even Thanou have reported that they are tested several times every year. If I am not mistaken Iakovakis said  something about 9 times last year alone.

Are the other super Athletes (say Carolina Kluft  or Tyson Gay) checked equally often?

There is no doubt that the International Press  has been particularly harsh, unfair and even outright lying about  Thanou-Kenteris. What is the reason for this?

Thanking you in advance
Regards

HA - You are preaching to the choir.  CGG