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
In the UK today it is alleged that Dwayne Chambers, one of our top sprinters has tested positive for THG. The 'B' sample has not been tested yet so it is not definite.
There is also the story of 'Balco' labs and Barry Bonds and other clients of them on the site.
The BBC website has good info on this: news.bbc.co.uk/.../3210876.stm
There is no way that we can drug test in Masters. There is no prize money, so why cheat. I also don't think that the improvements for someone aged 40 - 50 would be that great.
Could i go from 30 seconds for the 50m free to 25.5 seconds just by taking some drugs ? I don't think so ! The time difference is down to the faster swimmer having a great body for swimming, great ankle and shoulder flexibility, years of effective training, superior technique and a superior cardio - vascular system. Some steroid cannot make all that up.
A swimmer who already has all of these attributes could maybe gain 5%. But seriously if the swimmer was this good and inclined to cheat then they would be on the senior circuit where they could win some money not swimming at masters meets !!!
In the UK today it is alleged that Dwayne Chambers, one of our top sprinters has tested positive for THG. The 'B' sample has not been tested yet so it is not definite.
There is also the story of 'Balco' labs and Barry Bonds and other clients of them on the site.
The BBC website has good info on this: news.bbc.co.uk/.../3210876.stm
There is no way that we can drug test in Masters. There is no prize money, so why cheat. I also don't think that the improvements for someone aged 40 - 50 would be that great.
Could i go from 30 seconds for the 50m free to 25.5 seconds just by taking some drugs ? I don't think so ! The time difference is down to the faster swimmer having a great body for swimming, great ankle and shoulder flexibility, years of effective training, superior technique and a superior cardio - vascular system. Some steroid cannot make all that up.
A swimmer who already has all of these attributes could maybe gain 5%. But seriously if the swimmer was this good and inclined to cheat then they would be on the senior circuit where they could win some money not swimming at masters meets !!!
