In 1988, after Carl Lewis was awarded the gold medal in the 100M dash when Ben Johnson tested positive for steroids, (I believe it was) Lewis stated that he was not really that surprised because he just didn't think that it was humanly possible to run the 100m in 9.79 (Johnson's winning time).
In the past 3 years, 2 american’s have euqaled or surpassed that time.
In today’s Houston Chronicle there is a tiny article (which is a true disappointment considering the magnitude of the accusations) that reads as follows:
According to Terry Madden, the chief executive of the US anti-doping agency: "What we have unconverted appears to be intentional doping of the worst sort (...) this is a conspiracy involving chemists, coaches and certain athletes using what they developed to be undetectable designer steroids to defraud their fellow competitors and the American and world public"
The drug in question is known as THG and though no athletes were named, it appears that several prominent athletes are a party to this.
I also know for a FACT, that some elite swimmers know of the drug, and believe it is undetectable.
*** This is in no way intimating that any specific athlete has or is using the substance.
Parents
Former Member
Let me first say that I in no way condone the use of steroids, creatine, and even supplements recreationally and without full knowledge of the consequences. I am interested in an open and objective discussion about this topic and am glad that the USMS Discussion Forum provides such a venue. However, if the concern here is about the health of the athlete and not just whether they are getting an unfair advantage, then one could just as easily condemn alcohol or smoking or any unhealthy behavior. It's important to point out that many of these performance-enhancing drugs/supplements have their origins in the medical industry as treatment or as aiding in recovery.
I personally take a multivitamin/multimineral and a protein shake supplement. At 35 years old and swimming 22,000-24,000 yards a week, plus dry-land exercises 3x a week it is nearly impossible for me to get a sufficient amount of nutrients from food alone (I consume about 3,200 cal. a day - that's a lot of food without supplements). I could argue that it probably would be unhealthy for me to try and maintain that amount of exercise and not provide an adequate amount of nutrients to replace the nutrients expended (i.e. Protein shakes, protein bars, vitamins, minerals, Gatorade, etc.).
Glucosamine has allowed my father to continue to exercise when it was beginning to look as though the joint pain was going to be too much for him to continue. If, at 62, my father competes in a Masters event is he cheating?
Just playing the devils advocate here since we seemed to jump from the steroid abuse to the use of supplements.
Let me first say that I in no way condone the use of steroids, creatine, and even supplements recreationally and without full knowledge of the consequences. I am interested in an open and objective discussion about this topic and am glad that the USMS Discussion Forum provides such a venue. However, if the concern here is about the health of the athlete and not just whether they are getting an unfair advantage, then one could just as easily condemn alcohol or smoking or any unhealthy behavior. It's important to point out that many of these performance-enhancing drugs/supplements have their origins in the medical industry as treatment or as aiding in recovery.
I personally take a multivitamin/multimineral and a protein shake supplement. At 35 years old and swimming 22,000-24,000 yards a week, plus dry-land exercises 3x a week it is nearly impossible for me to get a sufficient amount of nutrients from food alone (I consume about 3,200 cal. a day - that's a lot of food without supplements). I could argue that it probably would be unhealthy for me to try and maintain that amount of exercise and not provide an adequate amount of nutrients to replace the nutrients expended (i.e. Protein shakes, protein bars, vitamins, minerals, Gatorade, etc.).
Glucosamine has allowed my father to continue to exercise when it was beginning to look as though the joint pain was going to be too much for him to continue. If, at 62, my father competes in a Masters event is he cheating?
Just playing the devils advocate here since we seemed to jump from the steroid abuse to the use of supplements.
