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.
It sounds like he was taking way more than prescribed(or what should have been prescribed.) If so then he was cheating.
I realize this is only your opinion, but your statement isn't at all how USADA sees it.
www.usada.org/.../testosterone-guidelines.pdf
Having low testosterone isn't enough, for a TUE to be granted you need to identify specifically with data showing WHY your testosterone is low. Which gland or glands are not responding properly to your nervous system and possibly why that would be. THEN you might get a TUE.
It's a pretty high barrier to cross, not the least of which in terms of cost that medical insurance won't cover.
The idea is that your testosterone may simply be low, or that it may be low due to a lot of training; so simply having a low number isn't sufficient.
I think that is pretty spot on for athletes under the age of 25 or so. But if we are to apply the usada rules wholely to adults as is done in amateur triathon, cycling, running, and apparently weightlifting - then I think they should be modified. Specifically I'd like to see changed requirements where you need to document your low testosterone with X number of tests and if it is indeed low, then you are allowed to boost your testosterone to some sort of normal number for men your age.
This system can be gamed as indicated above, but on the other hand we are looking at some men having to choose between competing and their health because they have legitimate needs for additional testosterone.
Of course since USMS doesn't drug test, people can take whatever they want if they are in this sport.
It sounds like he was taking way more than prescribed(or what should have been prescribed.) If so then he was cheating.
I realize this is only your opinion, but your statement isn't at all how USADA sees it.
www.usada.org/.../testosterone-guidelines.pdf
Having low testosterone isn't enough, for a TUE to be granted you need to identify specifically with data showing WHY your testosterone is low. Which gland or glands are not responding properly to your nervous system and possibly why that would be. THEN you might get a TUE.
It's a pretty high barrier to cross, not the least of which in terms of cost that medical insurance won't cover.
The idea is that your testosterone may simply be low, or that it may be low due to a lot of training; so simply having a low number isn't sufficient.
I think that is pretty spot on for athletes under the age of 25 or so. But if we are to apply the usada rules wholely to adults as is done in amateur triathon, cycling, running, and apparently weightlifting - then I think they should be modified. Specifically I'd like to see changed requirements where you need to document your low testosterone with X number of tests and if it is indeed low, then you are allowed to boost your testosterone to some sort of normal number for men your age.
This system can be gamed as indicated above, but on the other hand we are looking at some men having to choose between competing and their health because they have legitimate needs for additional testosterone.
Of course since USMS doesn't drug test, people can take whatever they want if they are in this sport.
