Since there hasn't been any controversy in the the forums lately, perhaps we should smack the hornet's nest a bit...
What are your thoughts regarding the following hypothetical situation as it relates to competition:
Suppose that tomorrow morning we wake up to find that medical researchers have discovered that a mixture of various substances (e.g. human growth hormone, testosterone, etc) can be taken with little or no bad side effects. Furthermore, it offers the following benefits on average:
1) A longer life span.
2) Improved general health, both mental and physical.
3) Greater resistance to some of the more common severe health problems such as heart disease, cancers, alzheimer's, etc.
Suppose that it also has a strong positive affect on one's swimming performance.
Suppose further that this treatment is expensive and not covered by most health insurers.
Question: Are the people who take it for the health benefits welcome to compete in master's swimming? Would your answer be different if the treatment were available inexpensively/free to everyone?
-LBJ
Yeah, but how would you know they cheated? Would you ask them to check a box on the entry form? Humph. I doubt anyone would outright admit it for fear of backlash.
I know there have been a few accusations of drugs used in masters, but I agree with Ande. At our advanced ages, we have to still put in the work. Our bodies won't just do whatever we ask them to do.
I guess we can't stop them from using if it becomes affordable and effective. If the 1976 women's 400 free relay team, Janet Evans and Amy van Dyken can triumph over doping, then so can we.
Yeah, but how would you know they cheated? Would you ask them to check a box on the entry form? Humph. I doubt anyone would outright admit it for fear of backlash.
I know there have been a few accusations of drugs used in masters, but I agree with Ande. At our advanced ages, we have to still put in the work. Our bodies won't just do whatever we ask them to do.
I guess we can't stop them from using if it becomes affordable and effective. If the 1976 women's 400 free relay team, Janet Evans and Amy van Dyken can triumph over doping, then so can we.
