International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge opened the 20th Winter Olympic Games in Turin tonight pleading they should not be tainted by drugs scandals.
Rogge called on the athletes of the world to respect the spirit of fair play during a glittering opening ceremony at the Stadio Olimpico in the centre of the city tonight.
Rogge said: “Athletes, you are role models and your achievements both on and off the field of play will inspire and motivate the future generations. Please compete in a spirit of fair play, mutual understanding and respect, and above all please refuse doping.”
Rogge's comments came after the International Skiing Federation suspended twelve cross-country skiers from the first five days of competition due to abnormally high red blood cell counts in their blood.
Such levels can occur naturally but they are also associated with the use of banned stimulant EPO - although the FIS and the IOC both insisted no positive drugs tests had occurred.
Veteran Italian cross-country skier Stefania Belmondo lit the Olympic flame before opera legend Luciano Pavarotti belted out a stirring rendition of 'Nessun Dorma'.
Rogge added: “Our world today is in need of peace, tolerance and brotherhood and the values of the Olympic Games can deliver these to us.
“May the Games be held in peace and in the true spirit of the Olympic truce... show us how sport unites by overcoming political, religious and language barriers and you will show us the world we all long for.”
