Although Caldwell’s case has provided an insight into the inner world of AA double-dealing, it is definitely not the first. There have been numerous cases in the past thirty years where standards were set and moved, leaving many athletes isolated with shattered dreams.
As we all know, the sport lacks integrity and transparency. There is simply too many rumours about Bideau and the Melbourne Track Club mafia shady dealings not to investigate. No smoke without a fire.
One of interest in recent times is Bideau’s stint as head distance coach at Qatar Athletics. It would be great to get a fact check on this... There are strong rumours that Bideau was fired from this position; of which he ended up being held in Qatar, while an investigation was undertaken revolving around issues including the exploitation of athlete stipends.
There are also a string of relationships with vulnerable athletes, but I rather take a look at two of his business relationships (the track mafia), than his ‘personal’ youthful ones, as this gives you an indicator of the behind the closed door scenes in the world of athletics.
What about Nic’s right hand man for many years - Maurie Plant (RIP)? He was given a life ban from the sport for drugs in the 80’s (search up “The Black Report”).
How did Maurie continue to stay in the sport as such an influential figure in the world of athletics?
Maybe Salazar should make a comeback as Bideau’s right hand man?
And, of course there is long time friend and business partner of Maurie and Nic, the shifty Dr. Brian Roe. A journalist, lawyer and sports administrator.
Who guess what?.. is currently in charge of Athletics Australia’s ethics and integrity unit - lol.
Roe has been involved in the sports administration in the highest level since the early 80’s. Roe is Athletic Australia’s (AA) acclaimed international technical official, who at many times is World Athletics go to man. His involvement in the sport includes/d roles as the competition manager of Athletics Australia dysfunctional track meets, AA doping control, team manager and selection chair, a delegate to the corrupt IAAF congress, a prominent role in the Doha World Champion$hip bid, and the chairman of ‘Supershoe review group’ (which if you ask me, was and is still a shemozzle). Reality is Roe has been an overseeing figure in the sports decline, who has either been a poorly blinded sports administrator or was a central figure among$t it all. Roe also played a role as an athlete representative (conflict) and a key in getting Nic’s athletes into global status meets, while others didn’t. Did I say lawyer? Now you know why Caldwell’s legal protest never stood a chance. Did I say journalist? Now you know at this moment why there has been limited media attention.
Going back, in a brief period in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, a new AA board tried to remove Brian Roe, Maurie Plant and Nic Bideau as they were seen as a road blocks to the integrity and progress of the sport. Interestingly, during this time Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery refused to race down under unless Plant was involved in negotiations. hmmm...
Hopefully this gives you all a snapshot of the integrity and transparency within Australian and World Athletics. Athletes be careful who you join, as people will judge you.