Transition: Chapter 38 (Washington)

The following is a transcript of a press conference conducted by J. Stanton Kennedy at the Washington, D.C., headquarters of the United States Olympic Committee.

Kennedy: Ladies and gentlemen of the sporting press, thank you all for turning out on such short notice. It’s ten o’clock, so let’s get started. I’m going to read a short statement, and then I’ll open up the floor for questions. I’m afraid that I’m going to have to hurry off to a meeting after that, but I’ll try to answer as many of your questions as I can.

“I am pleased...”

Oh yes, thank you Larry – we’re handing out press kits that contain the text of my statement and a wealth of additional background information that you may find useful. And so, without further ado...

“I am pleased to announce that the International Olympic Committee has unanimously approved a comprehensive substance-testing policy that is considerably more stringent than the policy that is currently in effect. The new policy is designed to ensure that performances of competitors in the Olympic Games are not tainted by the use of any foreign substance that is capable of artificially enhancing athletic performance. For logistical reasons, the policy, which was approved at an emergency session of the IOC in Geneva yesterday afternoon, will not be implemented at the Olympic Games in Qen Phon in July. However, it will be in full force at the Olympic Games in Prague four years hence.

“Although the final wording of the policy has not yet been approved, its concept is simple. Every athlete...” – every athlete – “...will be tested prior to his or her performance. An athlete who is determined to have indulged in the use of any prohibited substance will be barred from competing in the Olympic Games. Any athlete who wins a medal will be tested again subsequent to his or her performance. An athlete who tests positive for any prohibited substance will be stripped of his or her victory and denied his or her medal. Additionally, any athlete who fails either the pre-competition or the post-competition substance test will be barred from international competition for a period of four full years for a first offense, meaning specifically that they will be disqualified from competing in the immediately following Olympic Games. A repeated violation will result in a permanent disqualification.

“The United States Olympic Committee has long favored the establishment of a policy along these lines. While we feel that it is long overdue, we are exceptionally pleased that such a comprehensive substance-testing policy – which we believe is firmly in keeping with the spirit of the Olympic Games – has finally been adopted by the IOC.

“Also, a new event has been added to the Olympic Games: the first Olympic Ironman-distance triathlon will be held as part of the upcoming Games. There will be separate events for men and for women. The trials will be held in Dallas on June 5th to select the triathletes who will represent the United States in Qen Phon.”

Well, that finishes my prepared statement. There’s a good deal of supporting material in the press kits that you should all have by now. Does anyone not have a press kit? Larry – over there, I think you missed a few people in the corner. Is that everybody? Good. Good.

Now, are there any questions? Just a minute, just a minute, please, not all at once. Sir, over there, that’s right, we’ll start with you.

Q: I’m Weldon Jenson of the Chicago Sun-Times. Mr. Kennedy, just a few weeks ago you accused the Russians of dragging their feet on drug testing. To what do you attribute their sudden turn-around?

Kennedy: Mr. Jenson, far be it from me to attempt to explain the Russians’ behavior. That’s a question you’ll have to ask them. All I know is that I received a message this past week from Dr. Petronovich, my counterpart in Russia, in which he expressed an interest and a willingness to reach an agreement along the lines that the United States had previously proposed. I contacted the Executive Board of the IOC that very afternoon, and an emergency session was arranged for – let’s see, for two days ago. We finalized the outline of an agreement the next afternoon.

It is a considerable understatement for me to say that I am very gratified by the extraordinary speed with which we were able to proceed – gratified, and more than a little surprised, I must admit. I imagine that we have set some kind of Olympic record for policy-making.

Yes, the gentleman in the plaid jacket...

Q: I seem to remember that a couple of months ago you said that nothing less than full drug testing this year would be acceptable to the United States. In light of that, I don’t see why you would treat this announcement as some kind of victory. It sounds to me like all that really happened is that the Russians talked you into a four-year delay.

Kennedy: Mr....

Q: Clepak, Howard Clepak, UPI.

Kennedy: Mr. Clepak, your memory is excellent. However, I do take exception to your analysis.

The USOC has supported the concept of comprehensive substance testing – and please notice that I said substance testing, not drug testing; not all of the prohibited substances are strictly classified as drugs – but at any rate, we have supported the concept of comprehensive substance testing for about – let’s see – about seven years now. And yes, you’re right, we have been pushing for the implementation of such a program in Qen Phon. Russia, with the support of many of the former Eastern Block nations, has favored a gradual implementation of substance testing over a period of about twenty years – which, from our perspective, was entirely unacceptable.

Under the terms of the policy that was ratified yesterday in Geneva, the IOC has adopted the substance-testing program suggested by the USOC in its entirety. That’s a key point: There was no compromise on this issue; the USOC recommendations were accepted one-hundred percent. If the tone of my statement betrays a note of victory, as you suggest, Mr. Clepak, then I must confess to feeling extremely elated at this outcome. I hope you will forgive me if I have been unable to prevent a hint of jubilation from creeping into my voice.

So, you ask: Why we did not insist that the policy be implemented in Qen Phon? You must realize that the Olympic Games begin in less than two months. Not only would there have been severe logistical problems in attempting to implement such a sweeping policy change on such short notice, it would have been unfair to the athletes – some of whom may currently be using the newly-banned substances quite legitimately – to change the rules this late in the game.

Q: But don’t you think...

Kennedy: What I think, Mr. Clepak, with all due respect, is that I need to let someone else ask a question. I believe I recognize Leida Andersen from WRSX in Boston. It’s good to see you again, Miss Andersen.

Q: Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. But I’m longer with RSX. I’m working on an assignment for PBS that involves...

Kennedy: My goodness, things certainly do change quickly. You were with WRSX when last we spoke last week.

Q: Yes, sir, things do change quickly; I started this job just two days ago. And speaking of...

Kennedy: Well, then, I suppose that congratulations are in order, Miss Andersen. Although I must say we’ll miss you in Boston.

Q: Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. But getting back to the subject... you mentioned how quickly things change, which reminded me that less than a week ago, you told Valerie Johnson that it would be absolutely impossible for the Ironman-distance triathlon to be added to the Qen Phon Olympics. She told me that you were very clear about that. Can you explain the sudden turnaround? It really seems quite remarkable.

Kennedy: At this point, Miss Andersen, it’s probably as much of a surprise to me as it is to you. It certainly was not a subject I intended to discuss when I flew to Geneva. I can’t say that I’m entirely sure of how it happened.

As I recall, it grew out of a discussion of new events that might be added to the Olympic Games. Not a formal discussion, really, it certainly wasn’t on the agenda, just something that came up while the delegates were relaxing during one of the breaks. It just, well, snowballed from there; one thing led to another, and suddenly we had agreed to add the Ironman-distance triathlon to the Olympics.

Q: Do you remember who initiated the discussion?

Kennedy: I’m not entirely certain about that, Miss Andersen, but I think that it was the Russians. I think. And please don’t ask me why they would make such a suggestion. Again, you’d have to ask them. As I said, the subject was first raised in an informal discussion. Once the suggestion was made, however, I was quick to support it, for obvious reasons. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that Americans are among the best triathletes in the world. Although we were not prepared to make such a proposal at that time, we would have been foolish not to support it.

Yes, the tall gentleman in the corner. Yes, you sir. Go ahead.

Q: Mr. Kennedy, do I understand you to say that the Ironman has been added to this Olympics? In Qen Phon?

Kennedy: Yes, that’s correct, Mr....

Q: Sorry. Wallace Abrams, Sacramento Bee.

Kennedy: Yes, Mr. Abrams, you understood me correctly.

Q: But... but... excuse me, sir, I’m confused. A minute ago, you said that drug testing couldn’t be implemented at this Olympics because there wasn’t enough time. In light of that, what makes you think that there will be enough time to stage an Ironman?

Kennedy: That’s a good question, Mr. Abrams. In fact, I asked the very same question in Geneva. I was assured by the other members of the IOC – including the representatives from Qen Phon, who are, after all, hosting the Games – that it could be done.

And, in fact, even though the agreement was made just yesterday, many of the logistical details have already been worked out. A lot of that information is in your press kits, and my time is short, so I won’t go over it now.

But, please, let’s turn our attention back to the substance-testing policy, which certainly is the more significant of the two announcements.

Yes, over here, in front, the gentleman with the beard.

Q: Shep Bradley, KVIL, Dallas. Mr. Kennedy, with all due respect, it seems to me that a cynic might say – now, I’m not saying that this is the case, but somebody else is bound to bring it up, so we might as well get it out in the open now, while you have a chance to respond – a cynic might say that the Russians offered you the Ironman as a concession for postponing drug... excuse me, substance testing for four years.

As you know, there’s been considerable pressure on the Russians recently, even from some of their traditional allies, and I’ve heard that there was a good chance that substance testing would be implemented in Qen Phon even over their objections. How would you respond if someone were to say that the Russians manipulated you into postponing substance testing by throwing you the Ironman as sort of a bone? I mean, they must have known you’d bite, seeing as how, as you said, the U.S. has such great triathletes.

Kennedy: Mr. Bradley, I honestly don’t know what I’d say to such a ridiculous suggestion, except that there’s not a shred of truth to it. Contrary to your supposition, the chances of instituting a substance-testing policy in Qen Phon over the objections of the Russians – especially a policy as comprehensive as this one – were remote, at best. We did not make any concessions, as you suggest. Nor would I characterize the policy as any sort of compromise. There is absolutely no relationship between the two announcements – the substance-testing policy and the Ironman have nothing...

Q: But couldn’t it be seen as more than just a coincidence that you’re a close friend of Jill Kendal, the top American woman triathlete? I mean, you have to admit that it looks like...

Kennedy: Miss Andersen, I believe that you’ve already had your turn. I only have time for one or two more questions, and I think it only fair that we give someone else a chance. You, ma’am, yes, you in the red dress.

Q: Is that true about Jill Kendal? I mean, that you’re a close friend of hers? And did that influence the decision to stage an Ironman on such short notice?

Kennedy: Well, there seems to be a conspiracy to ask me that question, so I suppose I’d better answer it, Miss...

Q: De Jesus, Donna De Jesus, ESPN.

Kennedy: Miss De Jesus, I’ve known Jill Kendal’s father, G.W. Kendal, for many years. I think it’s safe to say that I am, indeed, close to the entire Kendal family, Jill included. And although I’m sure that it would have made a good story for you, I’m sorry to have to tell you that my friendship with Jill Kendal had nothing to do with the fact that the first Olympic Ironman-distance triathlon will be held in Qen Phon.

Of course, I imagine that Jill will be pleased – and I hope that she will participate in the trials and perhaps represent the United States in Qen Phon. As you know, she did win a gold medal for the United States in the women’s marathon four years ago. I’d be less than truthful if I said that I wasn’t pleased for her. But to think that I somehow manipulated the entire International Olympic Committee just so Jill Kendal could win another gold medal... well, I think you can see how ludicrous that really is.

I only have time for only one more question, so...

Oh yes, before I take the final question, I suppose I should point this out – since one of you is bound to bring it up if I don’t...

I mentioned that the trials for the first Olympic Ironman-distance triathlon will be held on June 5th in Dallas. Now, it happens that Dallas is where Jill Kendal makes her home, and I imagine that some of you will read some kind of conspiracy into this coincidence. But it is a coincidence, I assure you.

It happens that there was already an Ironman-distance triathlon scheduled in Dallas for June 4th. We contacted the race organizers in Dallas yesterday, and they’ve kindly agreed to work with us to set up the Olympic trials the next day. Most of the top triathletes had planned to be in Dallas then, anyway; we’re merely asking those who are interested in trying out for the Olympics to race on the 5th instead of the 4th. We’re in the process of preparing invitations to the trials even as I speak. The triathletes who will be invited to compete in the trials will be notified later this afternoon.

Now, for that last question, and then I really must be off... Yes, you sir, you are...

Q: B.J. Gilliam, Triathlon magazine. Mr. Kennedy, this announcement...

Kennedy: Somehow, I suspect that this question does not concern the substance-testing policy.

Q: No, sir, that’s a good guess, it’s about the triathlon. Your announcement comes as quite a surprise to those of us who are involved in triathletics – quite a pleasant surprise, I should add, because it’s something that many of us have been working toward for some time. It’s all so sudden, I... I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but it seems to me that you may run into some problems trying to pull this off so quickly. I mean... God, I have a million questions, I don’t know...

Kennedy: I’m afraid that I have time for just one, Mr. Gillies, so why don’t you...

Q: Gilliam. That’s Gilliam, not Gillies. B.J. Gilliam.

Kennedy: I’m sorry, Mr. Gilliam. But I’m late as it is, so I must ask you to select just one of your questions.

Q: Well... okay. How are you going to select the triathletes who you’re going to invite to the trials? It doesn’t... it seems to me that you’re trying to do it all so quickly... I just don’t see how you can be completely fair about it, is I guess what I’m trying to say. It seems to me that no matter what criteria you use, you’re going to miss some people who will feel that they should have been invited, and they’re going to be real upset.

Kennedy: Mr. Gilliam, a detailed answer to that question appears in your press kit. In fact, you may find answers to many of your million questions in that folder. But let me address your question in brief before I have to leave.

We are inviting fifty men and fifty women to the triathlon trials. Forty from each group are being selected from rankings provided by the two largest national groups that sanction triathlons: the American Triathletic Council and the Federation of Professional Triathletes. I feel confident that the finest American triathletes will be invited to the trials. And I am just as confident that the three men and the three women who are chosen to represent the United States in the first Olympic Ironman-distance triathlon will give us every reason to be proud of them.

I agree that it is possible that there may be some deserving triathletes who are overlooked by our selection procedure. That is unfortunate, but unavoidable. I am hopeful that the selection procedure that we have implemented will keep that possibility to a bare minimum.

Now, I’m afraid that does bring this press conference to a close. I’d like to...

Q: What about the other ten? Sorry, Mr. Kennedy, but you said that forty out of fifty were being selected from AmTri and ProFed rankings. What about the other ten?

Kennedy: Ah, yes, Mr. Gilliam; I did leave you hanging on that one, didn’t I? The remaining ten men and ten women are being selected by lottery. We have compiled the names of other deserving triathletes – triathletes who have demonstrated great potential, but who are not necessarily ranked among the forty best triathletes in the country. A lottery is being conducted this afternoon to select the additional invitees. At that time, we will release the names of all one-hundred triathletes who are being invited to the trials.

I recognize that the procedure is not perfect – but you must recognize that we had very little time, and that we’re doing the best that we can. Personally, I feel that we’re doing a very fine job... but I suppose that’s something for you ladies and gentlemen of the press to discuss and decide among yourselves.

But now this press conference really is over. I’d like to thank you all once again for coming here on such short notice, and I’m...

Q: Mr. Kennedy, it says in the press kit that you’ve eliminated the rule against drafting in the bicycle leg of the triathlon. Don’t you think...

Kennedy: ...sorry that I do not have time to answer more of your...

Q: Mr. Kennedy, why did the Russians...

Kennedy: ...questions. However, Larry Hodge, the USOC press secretary, will be available...

Q: Mr. Kennedy...

Kennedy: ...this afternoon to answer any additional questions that you might have.

Q: Mr. Kennedy...

Kennedy: Thank you.

Q: Mr. Kennedy...