Surpassing one's best time by milliseconds would be more credible.
The Chinese swimmner Ye Shiwen took seconds off her personal best to break the world record and win a gold medal in the 400m medley on Saturday, swimming faster in the last 50m than the winner of the men's event.
There is no evidence against her and all medal winners are drug-tested.
John Leonard - the executive director of the World Swimming Coaches Association - said her performance was "unbelievable".
I do have my suspicions.
Having tested clear, perhaps she should be given the benefit of the doubt. However, you get the feeling that some athletes are ahead of the game and may be taking drugs that can't yet be detected. I am sure things have moved on since the Irish swimmer who adulterated her urine sample with a drop of the hard stuff! Richard S
ReplyDeleteI wonder if performance enhancing drug has been developed which is "invisible" to current tests myself.
ReplyDeleteDope test results are held for eight years, so should it be proven that drugs were used, any medal could be cancelled and annulled.
don't forget Bob Beamon's astonishing long-jump gold medal in the 68 Olympics when he broke the record by a foot, and was never able to repeat it. Such things can happen.
ReplyDeleteSorry to disagree, but I think you cannot lose your medals unless a positive dope was made prior to the event. The Irish swimmer I referred to kept her medals because she only tested positive at a later time.
ReplyDeleteRichard S
Perhaps we really ought to give her the benefit of the doubt and marvel at such an extraordinary achievement.
ReplyDeleteYe Shiwen is competing again this evening. I thing many people will be watching with interest..
ReplyDeleteRS
Competitors are tested after the event not prior to it, all the medalists go for a pee immediately after the event
ReplyDeleteAre you suggesting our oriental friends would dare to cheat twice!!!!
ReplyDelete