Jamaica Olympic Association president Mike Fennell (right) sits next to Sports Minister Olivia Grange at a Digicel sponsorship function earlier this year. Both officials addressed matters relating to the team and drug-use yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Mike Fennell, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), yesterday urged Jamaicans not to let the recent drug controversy overshadow the excellent work put in by the rest of the nation's Olympic squad.

"It is a disgraceful thing, but I am sure that you will agree with me that we have to move on," said Fennell whilst addressing the Kiwanis Club at the Hilton hotel in New Kingston.

As yet, the athlete who tested positive remains unnamed.

Protocols

The athlete, who is not in Jamaica, has got until tomorrow to admit to his drug use or to ask for the B sample to be tested and potentially clear his name.

The athlete was given five days to respond, according to the very strict and clear protocols as reported by Fennell.

This latest drugs incident has again highlighted the slow process of setting up a fully operational Jamaican anti-doping organisation.

Legislation

However, despite having had of late no national anti-doping agency, Fennell insisted that this has not been a problem as, in conjunction with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), there is still an effective anti-doping policy, although inevitably it is a delayed process.

The final legislation has just been passed to put into place Jamaica's very own Anti-Doping Commission.

"Jamaica's anti-doping organisation can now start functioning effectively," said Fennell, who also expressed regret over the positive drugs test incident.

"I just hope it does not reduce the amount of coverage we have on all the other excellent athletes going to Beijing," he said.

Positives

Although the media focus is going to be on the strong Jamaican track and field team, Fennell wanted to highlight the impressive achievements of the other Jamaican Olympians.

Samantha Albert will take part in eventing (equestrian) that will be held in Hong Kong and Jamaica will be represented in Beijing by cyclist Ricardo Lynch and the three young swimmers, Natasha Moodie, Alia Atkinson and Jevon Atkinson.

Nevertheless, Fennell could not help but get excited about Jamaica's track athletes and throwing down the gauntlet to the United States.

"That other country (United States) cannot accept there is a country better than them and we are competing with a spoonful of their resources," he said, ascribing Jamaica's remarkable success to its passion and leadership.

He concluded by stating that Jamaica's superb performances on the track always overcome crises.

"These athletes have carried this country when everything else is doom and gloom," he noted.