Coevett wrote:
However, for most fans, the Olympics/WCs without Kenyans and Ethiopians would not 'be a joke', it would be the first believable competition for decades. Both countries need to be suspended at least for one Games, so they can put their houses in order. And if they can't do that, they should be banned permanently.
First of all, Ethiopia have yet to have a major bust so I don’t know what you basing your blathering on. Unlike Kenya, their government has strict control over athletics, athletes and who they allow into the country. Keeps out bad influences. Kenya would do well to follow their lead.
Also, you and your grandkids will wait, in vain, for the day Kenyan performances decline to a point where they are regularly beaten by Brits. Will. Never. Happen! Kenyans discovered in 1968 at the Olympics in Mexico City that, even with crude, unscientific training, they’re better at running than the rest of the world put together. There will be no reversing what was unleashed then.
And finally, you are entitled to think that Kiprop failing a test casts doubt on every Kenyan athlete from Kip Keino to Eliud Kipchoge. Your prerogative. Doesn’t mean it will fly with the, thankfully, more rational people that run the sport or everyone else. An Olympics, World Championship, cross country or marathon without Kenya and Ethiopia will be seen for what it is: an attempt to help inferior athletes from the ‘right’ countries and race succeed. The ‘victories’ would ring hollow for the athletes and their fans and would be asterisked forever.