Operation Greyhound

Spain awoke this morning to the shocking news that Marta Domínguez, world champion in the steeplechase and a national icon, had been arrested for her role in a doping ring. Three time Olympian Domínguez was arrested by Spanish Police in an anti doping investigation named Operation Greyhound, which began to gather information last April. The investigation culminated yesterday in simultaneous raids, across five provinces. 14 people from various sporting backgrounds were arrested and quantities of anabolic steroids, hormones and EPO were seized from the homes and workplaces of the individuals, as well as equipment for blood transfusions.

The cycling link is sadly ever present in drug scandals. Operation
Greyhound investigated mountain biker Alberto Leon and Anti-doping police found several bags of blood in his fridge in the town of El Escorial. The origin of the blood has yet to be released as Leon is now retired. He was also implicated in the Operation Puerto doping scandal, has been arrested along with the Dr. Yolanda Fuentes, the sister of Op. Puerto’s famous kingpin Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes. The raids highlight not only the close nit nature of the doping business but the growing role of governments, in the fight against drugs in sport.

The other people who were arrested, indicated both where the problem lies and on whom anti-doping activism should be focused on. A pharmacist, a drug supplier, two doctors (a disgrace!) and coaches. These individuals seek not individual glory, but are involved in the performance drug trade for financial or other gains. Each willing to risk the health of people, who ironically have entrusted their careers and futures wellbeing to.

The arrests “harms the image of Spanish athletics,” wrote the Spanish athletic federation’s president José María Odriozola in a letter sent to Domínguez that was posted in the organization’s website today. The federation also removed Alemayehu Bezabeh, a Spanish athlete of Ethiopian descent, from the national team. He was not among those arrested, but his coach was.