Russia Doping Scandal: Daley Thompson urges Seb Coe to ‘stand up and show some leadership’ following WADA report

Daley Thompson has called for Sebastian Coe, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), to ‘stand up and show some leadership’ and ‘make examples’ [of the cheats].

A WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) commission report has revealed doping among Russian athletes was covered up by their federation, and recommends Russia is banned from competition.

It is the latest hammer blow to hit the sport of athletics, and Thompson is urging his long-time friend Coe to take proper action.

Speaking on the Colin Murray show, he said: “What the whole situation needs is for its leader - and Seb Coe is the custodian of what I think is the greatest sport in the world - to stand up and show some leadership.

“He needs to let the people know, he needs to let the cheats know and he needs to make sure all the other federations understand there are serious consequences to this. I reckon he needs to make some examples [of the cheats].

“He has the best interests of the sport in his heart. He cares about it passionately and he wants to see it thrive. I don’t think he will allow this situation to continue.

“He has to stand up and make some proper decisions, but not in a back-door diplomacy way. He needs to be upfront and let the public see what he’s doing.

“And if that means more and more bad things come out, then so be it. Let’s clear the decks and start again. This is going to be the defining moment of his presidency.”