At our SCM meet this past weekend we had an out-of-state visitor swimming. She was a very serious swimmer, arrived a week early to acclimate, came with a bit of an entourage, and did some pretty amazing times (45-49). We also saw her taking frequent hits from a very large inhaler always just before her races as she was warming up and behind the blocks. Any thoughts?.
Definitely performance enhancing. I won't judge whether or not it is illegal by WADA standards. I think they may make some exceptions for diagnosed asthma. Interestingly, Phil Whitten told me that shortly after asthma inhalers were allowed with a medical diagnosis 100% of the British national team suddenly were diagnosed with having asthma.
I've heard that Ellen has "severe asthma." Perhaps the severity of the problem requires higher doses?
I've also heard other swimmers complain about the entourage and drama surrounding her swims.
Definitely performance enhancing. I won't judge whether or not it is illegal by WADA standards. I think they may make some exceptions for diagnosed asthma. Interestingly, Phil Whitten told me that shortly after asthma inhalers were allowed with a medical diagnosis 100% of the British national team suddenly were diagnosed with having asthma.
I've heard that Ellen has "severe asthma." Perhaps the severity of the problem requires higher doses?
I've also heard other swimmers complain about the entourage and drama surrounding her swims.
