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.
Fritz said when I was afraid to say. I could care less what people shove in their bodies. This is Masters swimming where each person swims and/or competes for their personal reasons. We're all adults here and can make our own choices. Having Masters impose some sort of testing routine really is contrary to what Masters is about. I have no interest in being part of an organization that does that. I do have great interest in swimming with friends and competing with and against them from time to time.
I can only imagine what this would do to our very reasonable dues and what kind of rift this would cause in Masters swimming. I, for one, like Masters as it is now and don't think any sort of autocratic doping regime should be established. On the other hand, it might make for a neat section in SWIM magazine called "Police blotter, the dope pages."
Fritz said when I was afraid to say. I could care less what people shove in their bodies. This is Masters swimming where each person swims and/or competes for their personal reasons. We're all adults here and can make our own choices. Having Masters impose some sort of testing routine really is contrary to what Masters is about. I have no interest in being part of an organization that does that. I do have great interest in swimming with friends and competing with and against them from time to time.
I can only imagine what this would do to our very reasonable dues and what kind of rift this would cause in Masters swimming. I, for one, like Masters as it is now and don't think any sort of autocratic doping regime should be established. On the other hand, it might make for a neat section in SWIM magazine called "Police blotter, the dope pages."
