Drug Testing in Masters Swimming

People don't have to cheat to beat me, but if they do, they're only cheating themselves. Like Kirk, I don't know how I'd feel if I were a real contender. On the other hand, if random drug testing in Jr high and HS would prevent crazy parents coaches or kids from putting performance enhancing drugs in immature, growing bodies, then I'll sign my daughter up first.

Geek, For cripes sake, my wife says I exhibit half of those symptoms. "Loud grunting when lifting weight (my basset hound), loud talking when walking around (mostly at my kids), heightened sense of self worth" John smith

Does he also wear Zubaz pants and a do-rag? :) Kirk...is that how we will spot you on deck?

I don't personally know any Masters swimmers using performance enhancing drugs. I just gotta believe that some do. I don't think it is for money because there really isn't any in Masters swimming. I think a more likely reason is simply to defeat aging. Cosmetic surgery is at record levels. I HAVE seen Masters swimmers whose faces have obviously been tightened up. The mindset of using surgery to counter aging isn't that much different from using drugs. Dara Torres might be able to make money from swimming again if/when she makes the Olympics as a 40 yr. old. But she has great looks and would be a fine model for Speedo. But she's one of a kind. I think random testing at Nationals and Worlds might be an interesting and low cost thing to do. It creates a bit of fear that would be healthy. If a record-setter was caught - it would be a huge scandal and embarrasment. It might be interesting too to see if some fast swimmers focus on zones instead of Nationals to avoid random testing.

There is absolutely no drug in the world that will ever make me fast again. But take away my poppy-seed muffin, and my gloves will come off:thhbbb:

The actual benefit of hGH in athletes remains controversial. Known side effects include water retention and insulin resistance. Doubtful you'd see classic features of acromegaly develop. Keep in mind there are no large scale studies, for obvious reasons.

Here's the symptoms I have noted now that I keep an eye on him - loud grunting when lifting weight, loud talking when walking around, huge arms and legs, heightened sense of self worth. Geek, I think most people like this have a really small sense of self-worth. Generally when people exagerate it is to cover their short-comings.

If you achieve a international, national, or state record maybe...but for me no real concern. cause after a year of HGH, Tetestorne injections, and some of Barry Bonds clear rub, probably/maybe break a 1:25 100 free, so not worth it, like the man says...if it dont cost me no money, why worry? p.s. only reason for post is I found out that you need a certain number to be able to post a custom Avatar...:)

Will we be seeing this type of thing on the podiums in the future??? :rofl: :rofl:

Thinking about it some more...at the last meet I attended, testing would have been a good idea. Cause if anyone were taking them..they sure were not working! We could get the list out of non effective treatments...hehehe p.s. Cha-Ching on the avatar