Abu Dhabi: The fastest Paralympic sprinter in the world, Jason Smyth, is adamant doping does not exist among disabled athletes, but says life bans need to be meted out to any culprits.
Smyth, a four-time Paralympic champion at the last two Games in 2008 and 2012, is dismayed that top-level athletics continues to be tainted by drug cheats and allegations of wrongdoing.
Sprinting has been particularly afflicted, with stars such as Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell all having served bans for taking banned substances.
Has Smyth, 28, come across doping during his career?
The Northern Irishman told Gulf News: “I very much doubt it is as widespread in Paralympic sport. There aren’t the huge rewards for winning like there are in other sports, so I would assume the temptation for people to risk it is not the same.”
Smyth, who wants to become the first visually-impaired athlete to appear at both the Paralympics and Olympics, added: “My thoughts on doping are it is wrong. I am completely against it. I think a life ban is the best approach for those who intentionally cheat.
“The punishment has to be tougher to try to cut it out. Unfortunately the news around athletics at the minute seems to be filled with scandals and negative things. It is difficult to hear because the more and more allegations, the more and more people lose trust and belief in the sport, which is not a good situation for the sport to be in.”
