Spitz Criticizes IOC -- September 9, 1999

SYDNEY, Australia - Mark Spitz, who won seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics, criticized the International Olympic Committee for failing to introduce tests for all banned drugs because of pressure from countries such as China. Spitz, who was speaking at a ceremony to name a street in his honor at the Sydney athletes' village, served as an adviser to U.S. Senator George Mitchell's reform commission set up in the wake of the Salt Lake City bribery scandals.

Spitz brought controversy to the occasion by saying the IOC erred in failing to introduce blood testing for substances such as human growth hormone and erythropoietin (EPO). The IOC has said it will only introduce blood testing if a 100% reliable test is discovered. Spitz also said athletes should be competing for prize money at the Olympics.