Should USMS require record breakers to do drug testing? ...

Just out of curiosity, what therapeutic drugs are performance enhancing? Are you talking about therapeutic uses of EPO or blood pressure medication or allergy medication?

i wasn't referring to anything specific just commenting that i don't think any masters swimmers scrutinize their intakes as professional athletes must. i am sure that many "over the counter" supplements also contain substances banned in certain circles. No, I know, I was just genuinely curious. Rich made a comment about therapeutic meds too. I'm sure my zyrtec D would be banned ... I don't take any therapeutic drugs apart from allergy medication or occasionally my inhaler (no mystery supplements either), so I have no idea what would be considered a possible PED. As for drug testing, I can't get too worked up about it for masters, although I suspect there are probably masters cheating. This is based on nothing specific, except my sport cynicism. On the other hand, I can see why those competing for WRs might want to ensure a clean field.

Has anyone in masters swimming ever been busted for lying about their age? You have to have a birth certificate on file for records, but for top tens or even registering, I don't recall having to show proof of age.

I hope they don't start testing, I totally plan to spend tons of money on HgH so I can have a masters record.

Has anyone in masters swimming ever been busted for lying about their age? Yes, I know of one in particular. I won't name him nor the fact that he previously swam in NC and then moved to Texas but after he was taken to the woodshed he claimed he was actually 10 years older in an attempt to reclaim some dignity. I also know this "swimmer" exceeds WADA and USADA levels of caffeine by a factor of 10 on a regular basis.

A friend of mine who winters in FL says there are ads in the paper to"feel younger" take HGH and/or testosterone.There are medical conditions that need these,but growing older isn't one of them.Testing would open a can of worms in the over 70 age groups I'm afraid though.

If this happens watch out you PED users. There are no users....only victims being accused/attacked by evil people on discussion forums.

Just out of curiosity, what therapeutic drugs are performance enhancing? Are you talking about therapeutic uses of EPO or blood pressure medication or allergy medication? i wasn't referring to anything specific just commenting that i don't think any masters swimmers scrutinize their intakes as professional athletes must. i am sure that many "over the counter" supplements also contain substances banned in certain circles.

i would bet that many of the medications prescribed to this aging demographic (for daily quality of life factors) would trigger red flags at the international level of elite competition. I disagree. But a simple solution would be to test for anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and epogen.

Leslie, I was refering to drugs like testosterone or hgh that might be prescribed through one of these "life extension" clinics, etc. David, You make a good point. I better go home and check the ingredients in my nasal inhaler! I know beta blockers are banned but that would hardly be performance enhancing for a swimmer.