DOPING/ALAIN LOBOGNON, IVORIAN MINISTER OF SPORTS: “AFRICA DOES NOT CHEAT”
On this day, shocking doping revelations emerged in world athletics, starting with Tyson Gay’s positive test. The news prompted reactions from athletes like Christophe Lemaitre and Ladji Doucouré, who expressed their shock and concern.
Later, The Gleaner newspaper revealed doping allegations against Jamaican athletes Asafa Powell, Sherone Simpson, and Nesta Carter, implicating a total of 5 athletes. The news had a global impact, and on the African continent, Ivorian Minister of Sports Alain Lobognon weighed in, asserting that Africa is likely one of the cleanest continents in athletics.
Lobognon argued, “Make a list of doped athletes in the world. No African will appear there because Africa does not cheat. Western control laboratories are at the base of cheating.” He emphasized the importance of the decision to announce doping cases and implied that Africans are clean when within the system.
Taking a critical stance toward Western sports authorities, Lobognon stated, “Doping sets the pace for sport in the West. Africans are excluded from the Olympics by a bogus qualification system. As long as the fastest men in the world must be Westerners, control tests will be negative.” The remarks highlight a broader debate on doping, its impact on the integrity of sports, and perceptions of fairness in global athletics.
