BWL Statement

BWL STATEMENT ON PROFESSOR RICHARD MCLAREN’S FINDINGS OF CORRUPTION, FINANCIAL, ANTI-DOPING AND OTHER IRREGULARITIES AT THE INTERNATIONAL WEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATION

“As a IWF Member Federation, we are hugely concerned and disappointed at both the findings of the McLaren report and to read of the Executive Board’s lack of ability to identify, challenge and prevent any of these alleged abuses over a substantial period of time.

It appears that a culture and line of behaviour, which has been to the detriment of the athletes and the sport has been allowed for a number of reasons to go unchallenged for far too long.

We firmly believed that all elected officials had a responsibility to represent the best interests of the athletes, the sport, as well as Member Federations, who put their faith in them to ensure the long term integrity of the sport and all involved, whilst ensuring it could grow and develop in a safe, positive and visionary manner.

We remain hopeful that following these revelations the sport can move forwards and make fundamental and lasting Constitutional and Governance changes. It needs a thorough review and shake up  that will ensure it has a bright and healthy future and can offer athletes the very best opportunity to showcase their skills in a Clean, more diverse and fair environment.

We will continue to monitor the position very closely and will make further statements when appropriate.”