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
Apparently, Phil, the rest of the world does not share your view of what "performance enhancing" really means. Sure other drugs, including many normally innocuous over the counter medications, are included on the list, most by virtue of the fact that they contain banned substances, primarily stimulants. Athletes are cautioned that the list is not all-inclusive, and other medications or supplements may yield a positive drug test. And no, the treatment of diabetes and for the most part hypertension is not affected (insulin use requires physician documentation, while diuretics are banned due to their ability to mask other drugs in a urine test).
Parsing the definition of "performance enhancing" was not the subject of this thread and only serves to minimize the very real problem of anabolic steroid abuse. Some here have in fact questioned the magnitude of the risk, others have implied it is a matter of personal choice and have referred to "proper" use of the drugs (off label and without a doctor's prescription, of course). My post, though irritating to you, was intended to address these issues.
Finally, I do not believe we need better arguments or a more precise definition of performance enhancing. The athletes are well aware of the health issues and the existing regulations. It is demand that has led to the creation of the less easily detected "designer" steroids.
Apparently, Phil, the rest of the world does not share your view of what "performance enhancing" really means. Sure other drugs, including many normally innocuous over the counter medications, are included on the list, most by virtue of the fact that they contain banned substances, primarily stimulants. Athletes are cautioned that the list is not all-inclusive, and other medications or supplements may yield a positive drug test. And no, the treatment of diabetes and for the most part hypertension is not affected (insulin use requires physician documentation, while diuretics are banned due to their ability to mask other drugs in a urine test).
Parsing the definition of "performance enhancing" was not the subject of this thread and only serves to minimize the very real problem of anabolic steroid abuse. Some here have in fact questioned the magnitude of the risk, others have implied it is a matter of personal choice and have referred to "proper" use of the drugs (off label and without a doctor's prescription, of course). My post, though irritating to you, was intended to address these issues.
Finally, I do not believe we need better arguments or a more precise definition of performance enhancing. The athletes are well aware of the health issues and the existing regulations. It is demand that has led to the creation of the less easily detected "designer" steroids.
