www.nytimes.com/.../weight-lifter-80-labeled-a-cheat-but-he-has-a-story.html
An interesting story about an 80 year old competitive weight lifter who was DQ'ed after failing a drug test.
The subject of this story has set masters world records in weight lifting. He was also taking synthetic testosterone that was prescribed by his doctor for over 20 years.
Should this athlete be disqualified and his records struck from the books?
My question: How many athletes in our sport take performance enhancing drugs that are prescribed by a medical doctor (and set masters world records)?
To the best of my knowledge, USMS or FINA does not test masters athletes after record setting performances.
What's the big deal of some 80 y/o guy takes a little testerone to better his physical health in his later years. If someone does have a medical hypogonad condition, say testosetrone at 100 units due to injury or whatever reason and requires therapy for reasons of maintaining health and proper function (not performance) then I think that person should not be banned if this therapy raises the level to what is average. Unfortunately, what is average? But if someone is taking roids prescribed medically and has no condition other than being a little older and has 1000+ ng/ml of the stuff in their bodies at 80 years old, one can't really classify this person as a competitor.
What's the big deal of some 80 y/o guy takes a little testerone to better his physical health in his later years. If someone does have a medical hypogonad condition, say testosetrone at 100 units due to injury or whatever reason and requires therapy for reasons of maintaining health and proper function (not performance) then I think that person should not be banned if this therapy raises the level to what is average. Unfortunately, what is average? But if someone is taking roids prescribed medically and has no condition other than being a little older and has 1000+ ng/ml of the stuff in their bodies at 80 years old, one can't really classify this person as a competitor.
