Paris (AFP)
Twenty high-level athletes on Wednesday called for "serenity" for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 when the French Federation (FFA) is plunged into a deep crisis following a succession of doping cases and the Doha World Fiasco.
"We, athletes of the French athletics team, want to make our voices heard today." At nine months of the Olympics, it is essential for us to focus 100% on our sporting goals and prepare ourselves serenity if we want to be successful in the next deadlines, "wrote the athletes in a letter published on social networks.
Among the signatories are several blue executives: Renaud Lavillenie, Yohann Diniz, Kevin Mayer, Pascal Martinot-Lagarde, Quentin Bigot, Mahiedine Mekhissi, Christophe Lemaitre, Melina Robert-Michon and Alexandra Tavernier.
"Regarding the fight against doping, let us underline that every year cheaters are unmasked and sanctioned, proof that this system works, even if it remains perfectible.We will do everything in our power to remove the plague that affects the world of sport The team of France is united and welded in this stormy period with only objective to shine France in 2020 on and off stages, "the athletes continue.
The French Athletics Federation is mired in a serious crisis after a succession of doping cases (Clemence Calvin, Morhad Amdouni, Ophelie Claude-Boxberger) and the fiasco of the Doha Worlds (only 2 medals, no title).
On Friday, the FFA Board of Directors opted for the status quo by renewing its confidence in President André Giraud and his National Technical Director Patrice Gergès.
© 2019 AFP