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?.
As for the subject of people using PEDs in Masters sports, I go back to this fundamental question: why? What's the upside? I get the incentives for pro athletes to use PEDs, but I just can't understand what's in it for a Masters athlete who is competing at a Masters level. Is the glory of winning really worth it?
I'll go even further than that. The stakes are indeed low, so why should anyone else care? And in this particular case opinions about the potential benefits seem divided anyway.
I get that many get an ego boost from winning and breaking records, but IMO taking PEDs is an action that carries its own punishment.
I also get most don't want USMS events to be high-pressure affairs, and so behavior like that described can leave a sour taste for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere. Just ignore it; different people derive different motivation and enjoyment from these events. To the extent that it promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle, it's all good.
As for the subject of people using PEDs in Masters sports, I go back to this fundamental question: why? What's the upside? I get the incentives for pro athletes to use PEDs, but I just can't understand what's in it for a Masters athlete who is competing at a Masters level. Is the glory of winning really worth it?
I'll go even further than that. The stakes are indeed low, so why should anyone else care? And in this particular case opinions about the potential benefits seem divided anyway.
I get that many get an ego boost from winning and breaking records, but IMO taking PEDs is an action that carries its own punishment.
I also get most don't want USMS events to be high-pressure affairs, and so behavior like that described can leave a sour taste for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere. Just ignore it; different people derive different motivation and enjoyment from these events. To the extent that it promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle, it's all good.
