Johnson Welcome at ’92 Olympics, Samaranch Says

Ben Johnson would be welcome to compete in the 1992 Olympics even though he was caught using steroids at the Games in Seoul last summer, the head of the International Olympic Committee said Sunday.

IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch said Johnson must be treated like any other athlete, despite being involved in the biggest drug scandal in Olympic history.

“Why not?” Samaranch said when asked if he would like to see Johnson competing for a gold medal again. “Johnson was treated like any other athlete in Seoul when we suspended him. Now, we have to do the same. . . . He must not get more sanctions because he is Johnson. This is not fair.”

Samaranch spoke as the Olympic committee’s executive board prepared to open four days of meetings in this Spanish coastal city, where the 1992 Games will be held.