Two Athletes Suspended for Doping

By: Mallory Marsicek

On the eve of the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, two Ukrainian athletes were charged with anti-doping rule violations. They were both suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit. The World Championships will start without an official Russian team as the country remains suspended from international track and field for the widespread use of drugs. 

Olesya Povkh, 29-year-old, was entered in the women’s 100 meters and 4x100m relay. She won bronze medals in the sprint relay in 2012 in London and the 2011 World Championships. 

Olha Zemlyak, 27-year-old, is a 400m specialist and was entered into the individual and relay events in London. She won the European relay gold in 2012 and individual and relay silvers in 2014.

I understand that athletes dope because they know it will help them win, but it’s cheating and unfair to those who don’t take drugs. To my knowledge, it sounds like those people who dope to win, have given up on hard work and determination. Wouldn’t you always feel guilty knowing you cheated to win a big event? I know I would. Working hard and earning that title is more rewarding than doping and winning will ever be. 

https://www.101sports.com/2017/08/03/ukraine-pulls-2-athletes-from-track-worlds-over-rule-breach/