Poulette Cardoch Speaks Out After Adverse Ruling in Athletics Scandal

Chilean sprinter Poulette Cardoch has spoken out after an adverse ruling by the National Sports Arbitration Committee (CNAD) in an athletics scandal. Cardoch and fellow athlete Berdine Castillo had accused the vice president of World Athletics and the 4x400m relay coach, Ximena Restrepo and Marcelo Gajardo respectively, of discriminatory treatment after being removed from the relay event just hours before competing at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

However, the CNAD unanimously absolved Restrepo and Gajardo of the complaints made by Castillo and Cardoch, who had alleged mistreatment, racism, and discrimination. The committee ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient to prove the alleged discrimination or mistreatment.

Cardoch, who was the first athlete to publicly reveal that she was "dropped at the last minute" from the women's 4x400m relay final, expressed her appreciation for the support she received during the process. "I want to thank all the people who have supported me in this process," Cardoch said. "I am now refocusing on my sporting goals and future achievements, while facing the irregularities and injustices that come with the sport."

The lawyer for the accused, Ximena Restrepo and Marcelo Gajardo, stated that the evidence presented did not meet the requirements for sanctions related to discrimination or mistreatment. The tribunal conclusively found that the alleged incidents did not occur as claimed by the complainants.

Why this matters: The ruling in this athletics scandal highlights the challenges athletes face in proving allegations of discrimination or mistreatment in sports. It also highlights the importance of having robust systems in place to address and investigate such complaints fairly and transparently.

Despite the adverse ruling, Cardoch remains determined to focus on her sporting career and future achievements. "I am now refocusing on my sporting goals and facing the irregularities, injustices, and disappointments that come with sports," she said, expressing her appreciation for the support she has received throughout the process.

Key Takeaways

• Chilean sprinter Poulette Cardoch spoke out after adverse ruling in athletics scandal.
• Cardoch and Castillo accused officials of discrimination, but CNAD absolved them.
• CNAD ruled evidence insufficient to prove alleged discrimination or mistreatment.
• Cardoch appreciates support, refocuses on goals despite "irregularities and injustices".
• Ruling highlights challenges in proving discrimination claims in sports.