LIZZY Yarnold has given her backing to the news that four Russian skeleton sliders have been banned for doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
The International Olympic Committee has stripped Aleksandr Tretyakov and Elena Nikitina of their gold and bronze medals respectively, and also imposed sanctions on team-mates Maria Orlova and Olga Potylitsina.
Yarnold said her thoughts were with men’s silver medallist Martins Dukurs and veteran American Katie Uhlaender, who had finished fourth.
Yarnold said: “We should be happy that the anti-doping fight has gathered pace, but I’m just sad for Katie and Martins – incredible athletes who should have had their moment on the podium.
“Let’s hope the fight continues and Pyeongchang 2018 is a fair place for all clean athletes.”
The IOC is set to rule early next week whether Russia will be allowed to send a team to compete in Pyeongchang.
But the former Olympic silver medallist Shelley Rudman, who also competed in Sochi, believes the findings prove the Russian skeleton programme should be banned.
Rudman said: “I think the Russian skeleton team should be banned from Pyeongchang – there is enough evidence now to point towards state-sponsored doping.
“I think it is such a shame that so many good people missed out, and I’m overjoyed that Martins and Katie have got their rightful medals now.
“It is a move in the right direction by the IOC, and it is good that sanctions are now being implemented because it shows the authorities are reacting in the right way.”
The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation is yet to make a statement, which as it stands means only that the four implicated Russians will be barred from all future Olympic Games.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here