I understand the athletes' perspective, or the importance that's been placed on independence. That was the very reason that our office was created: It was because there were so many issues in the past. We talk about the culture of silence. We talk about issues being dealt with within sport organizations themselves and how that has not been the proper way to address matters, so I can completely understand the perspective and the need for independence.
In my role, I report only to the athletes and to the people of the sport community that we're meant to serve. My office and I are only reporting to the athletes and the people of the sport community. We put every safeguard in place to make sure we protect that functional independence, because it is so important.
I know trust is not something you have but something you earn, and I'm hoping we'll earn the trust of the athletes through our actions.