Editor's note: A LetsRun.com reader has sent us a translation of the following article. http://www.marca.com/2010/12/10/atletismo/1291962648.html on athletes speaking out against the doping controversy in Spain. His translation below:

Jesus Espana: "It was a well-known secret"

News of Operation Galgo, the Spanish federal investigation into an extensive doping ring, has stunned the entire sports community, and has had an especially sobering impact on the world of track and field.  In response to last week's raid many people have already begun speaking out.  One of the most vocal supporters of the investigation has been Jesus Espana, runner-up in the 5000 meters at the European Championships, who said that "this (doping ring) has been a well-known secret but finally the truth is out in the open.  We're extremely happy."  

On Friday, the newspaper Marca published an extensive report on Operation Galgo.  In addition to Jesus Espana, other athletes have begun to express their support of the federal investigation and the apparent crack-down on doping.  Arturo Casado, European 1500 meter champion in Barcelona, spoke out in defense of his sport and said that "it's good that they're doing something to help make track and field drug-free, although of course we'll have to wait for the official findings of this investigation"  Likewise, Luis Alberto Marco, Spain's 800 meter national champion in 2009, openly criticized the drug cheats saying that "Spanish track and field is in a current state of emergency.  I want to make it clear that I have zero tolerance for doping.  Enough is enough. They (the dopers) rob us and take us for fools.  It makes me sick that this is what is happening in my sport."    

 

P.S. Others (Martin Fiz, Sergio Sanchez) have already spoken out (mostly on blogs, and exclusively in Spanish from what I see), and are saying some fascinating things.  Bezabeh, from today's El Pais ("Por que no puedo correr el domingo?" http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/puedo/correr/domingo/elpepidep/20101212elpepidep_4/Tes) apparently doesn't understand why he wasn't allowed to compete in today's European XC chamionships, even after it's reported he did a transfusion of his own blood Thursday morning, hours before the raid!  Incredible stuff.