As much as I have admired the approach, the dedication and the achievements of New Zealand’s greatest equestrian, Mark Todd, it is now time for him to answer the hard question,” said New Zealand First Deputy Leader, Peter Brown, MP.

“Did you, or do you, use drugs?

“John Davies, another great New Zealand sporting hero, as Chairman elect of our Olympic Sporting organisation was right to put the question and is owed an answer.

“When one becomes an Olympian and takes on the responsibility of being a role model to youth, that responsibility must be taken seriously. Mark Todd’s silence is giving some the impression he is guilty. As a role model that is not good enough. In fact it is setting a poor example.

“Right now New Zealand is in need of all the positive role models it can get.

“New Zealanders are entitled to know whether one of our sporting greats is a drug user. It is said silence is golden but in this case it should prohibit him representing New Zealand at the Sydney Olympics,” concluded Peter Brown MP.

END

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