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.
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Former Member
From the contrary side. I can sort of understand your opinions but I have a hard time agreeing with you. I don't know how many masters swimmers use illegal performance enhancing drugs for the purpose of enhancing performance. My guess is it's too small a percentage to worry about. More than a few probably take them because of legit physical ailments. Testing would be a waste of time and at best damaging to our sport. Most everyone has already said that.
On the legal supplement side. I tend to give most people the benefit of the doubt and assume they are making an informed decision and they've weighed the pros and cons before they injest whatever they take. I also don't know where you draw the line on which legal substanes are OK and which aren't. You think you've got the qualifications to make those decisions for the rest of the world? I'd also bet the long term health damage caused by alcohol to swimmers is going to be greater than all other substances put together.
For the record, I don't take drugs or vitamins or protein shakes, etc. I don't care who does and the choices other people make don't disgust me a bit.
From the contrary side. I can sort of understand your opinions but I have a hard time agreeing with you. I don't know how many masters swimmers use illegal performance enhancing drugs for the purpose of enhancing performance. My guess is it's too small a percentage to worry about. More than a few probably take them because of legit physical ailments. Testing would be a waste of time and at best damaging to our sport. Most everyone has already said that.
On the legal supplement side. I tend to give most people the benefit of the doubt and assume they are making an informed decision and they've weighed the pros and cons before they injest whatever they take. I also don't know where you draw the line on which legal substanes are OK and which aren't. You think you've got the qualifications to make those decisions for the rest of the world? I'd also bet the long term health damage caused by alcohol to swimmers is going to be greater than all other substances put together.
For the record, I don't take drugs or vitamins or protein shakes, etc. I don't care who does and the choices other people make don't disgust me a bit.
