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
The 'Times newspaper' in Britain recently ran an article on Ben Johnson. Available, if you search the archive at: www.timesonline.com
Ben's doctor and trainer have talked about the issue. There was a conspiracy around the Ben Johnson drug test faliure. The biggest issue; the steroid they FOUND in his sample was one that weight-lifters use for bulking up, it would be no use to a sprinter that close to competition.
It was also found in the PURE form, it could not have passed through his body into his urine. It was also found in a MASSIVE quantity, much greater an amount than sprinters would take.
His trainer and doctor admit that he was on a steroid based drug program in the 2 years leading up to the Olympics, but that they ensured that he would test "clean" at any major event by stopping the use well before the meets. Everyone knew that Ben would be tested after the race so why would they be so stupid as to give him steroids just before it.
They are planning to expose the other athletes that they know were also taking drugs. Ben's doctor was in charge of a lot of their drug programs.
So yes Ben was on drugs but his positive test at he Olympics was fabricated. i guess none of this matters now.
I have no idea which swimmers take drugs, the pressure to win is immense and can mean the difference between earning a lot of money or struggling to get by.
The 'Times newspaper' in Britain recently ran an article on Ben Johnson. Available, if you search the archive at: www.timesonline.com
Ben's doctor and trainer have talked about the issue. There was a conspiracy around the Ben Johnson drug test faliure. The biggest issue; the steroid they FOUND in his sample was one that weight-lifters use for bulking up, it would be no use to a sprinter that close to competition.
It was also found in the PURE form, it could not have passed through his body into his urine. It was also found in a MASSIVE quantity, much greater an amount than sprinters would take.
His trainer and doctor admit that he was on a steroid based drug program in the 2 years leading up to the Olympics, but that they ensured that he would test "clean" at any major event by stopping the use well before the meets. Everyone knew that Ben would be tested after the race so why would they be so stupid as to give him steroids just before it.
They are planning to expose the other athletes that they know were also taking drugs. Ben's doctor was in charge of a lot of their drug programs.
So yes Ben was on drugs but his positive test at he Olympics was fabricated. i guess none of this matters now.
I have no idea which swimmers take drugs, the pressure to win is immense and can mean the difference between earning a lot of money or struggling to get by.
