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The sanction varies from withdrawal of a medal to disqualification and the
athlete's immediate return to his/her country. Whilst the athlete concerned always
feels that the sanction is too harsh, according to public opinion, it is often not
severe enough.
As I have already mentioned, as well as doping problems, other problems
are also dealt with, such as providing health care, the rapid transfer of an injured
athlete from the competition venue to the hospital, etc. As the medical care has to
be perfect, nothing is left to chance.
As their days were long and sometimes difficult, it was natural that Medical
Commission members benefited from certain facilities: they had drivers available
to them 24 hours a day to take them quickly and easily to where they needed to
go; all members had accreditation, allowing them to go wherever they wanted,
whenever they wanted; and all competition venues were open to them: stadiums,
areas limited to athletes, medical areas, launches, etc.
This "good" level of accreditation was a necessity and, even though they did
not often have the opportunity to follow a competition, it enabled them, all the
same, to go wherever they wanted when they did have a free moment - all hard
work deserves some reward.
However, it must not be forgotten that the work of the volunteers present
facilitated the work of the Medical Commission members and contributed to the
smooth running and success of the Games.
Being a part of the "Olympic Family" was a marvellous experience and I hope
that all those who dream of it can experience it one day.
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