Kitty Chiller says drug furore could impact Australian athletes as debate continues
AUSTRALIA’S Olympic squad has been warned not to block out the international doping furore that has dogged the Rio Games so it does not affect their performances.
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AUSTRALIA’S Olympic squad has been warned not to block out the international doping furore that has dogged the Rio Games so it does not affect their performances.
Australian Olympic boss Kitty Chiller conceded the drug debate “could” distract athletes, but she believed the team was focused.
“From our point of view, I don’t want this to end up being a distraction, especially in the pool,” Ms Chiller said.
“We need to continue to (focus on events) and not let this become a distraction.”
Swim team spokesman Ian Hanson said the team was being coached to treat every day like it’s “day one” and not to dwell on things.
“We treat every day like it’s day one and that’s been the approach to distraction for some time,” Mr Hanson said.
“It’s a very coach-driven sport, and that’s the message that coaches and managers filter through - we do not dwell on things.”
Mr Hanson said the team also had a psychologist who checked in multiple times a day.
The remarks came as the Australian Olympic Committee complained to the IOC about early morning drug testing, claiming the timing of the tests was inappropriate given late night competition.
Ms Chiller said athletes had received knocks on their doors for drug tests around 6am, the morning after late-night competition.
Ms Chiller said athletes affected included gold medal hope Cam McEvoy as well as other swimmers and hockey players.
“We are concerned about swimmers, hockey players, all our team members, getting a knock on their door at 6 or 7 o’clock in the morning when they’ve had a late night,” Chiller said.
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