IAAF, IOC condemn Boston marathon debacle

Blasts a stark warning for 2014 Winter Olympics, says Russian official.

PARIS:

Athletics’ world governing body and the Olympic movement condemned the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon, describing them as an attack on the spirit of human achievement and benevolence.

“My thoughts and those of all the Olympic Movement are with the victims, their friends and their families today,” said the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge.

“A marathon is a special, almost magical event that unites different communities with one shared goal and I am sure that this incident will serve to bring together all those who took part and all those who support such an event, with a common resolve.”



The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) also described the blasts, which killed three and injured more than 100 on Monday, as a ‘a mindless attack’.

“This ghastly and cowardly attack strikes at the very core of the freest of human activities,” said the president of the sport’s world governing body, Lamine Diack.

“Whether as a fun runner or elite competitor, road running exemplifies the honesty of basic human movement, strength and resilience.”

Boston blasts a warning for Olympics: Russia

Meanwhile, the 2014 Winter Olympics host Russia vowed to step up security measures at sporting events after deadly Boston marathon blasts that it described as a ‘big warning’.

Security has been a top concern for Russia as it prepares for marquee events such as the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and the 2018 Football World Cup.

It is already hosting massive events this summer with the World Athletics Championships in Moscow and the Universiade world student games in the Volga city of Kazan.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the Boston marathon attack underscored the need for the utmost vigilance at fixtures that attract global interest and major television audiences.

“For Russia, which will soon have to stage a number of big sporting events, this is a serious warning bell,” said Mutko. “Of course we are tightening up security measures.”

He added that Russia’s security plan was ‘already very serious’ and officials would redouble their efforts on ‘avoiding these situations’.

Mutko admitted that Russia was ‘very worried’ about security at all its sporting events.

“We will be devoting special attention to it,” he said.

The twin explosions 13 seconds apart in Boston killed at least three people and wounded more than 100 as runners participating in the 26.2 mile race approached the finish line. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2013.