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.
Phil:
Excellent post, well stated. I believe body buidling already has a "natural" comptetition division. (I guess that makes the other guys unnaturual or something).
It's funny to see the natural guys next to the other ones. Looks like me next to them (well, not really, but you get the picture). You don't see the natural folks on the covers of magazines or on ESPN.
So, you are correct in regards to bodybuilding in that the latter is definitely more popular.
Also, while gross long term abuse of performance enhancing drugs has been shown to possibly cause long term term health consequences, I do not believe any case has ever been made for moderate short term use health consequences. Given that, I also agree with you that the arguments against are pretty weak.
I think it really comes down to a morality play.
Phil:
Excellent post, well stated. I believe body buidling already has a "natural" comptetition division. (I guess that makes the other guys unnaturual or something).
It's funny to see the natural guys next to the other ones. Looks like me next to them (well, not really, but you get the picture). You don't see the natural folks on the covers of magazines or on ESPN.
So, you are correct in regards to bodybuilding in that the latter is definitely more popular.
Also, while gross long term abuse of performance enhancing drugs has been shown to possibly cause long term term health consequences, I do not believe any case has ever been made for moderate short term use health consequences. Given that, I also agree with you that the arguments against are pretty weak.
I think it really comes down to a morality play.
