Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Is Usain Bolt cheating?

As Usain Bolt crossed the finishing line at the 2009 IAAF Berlin World Championships and set a stunning 9.58s new world record in the 100m event, he left everyone in awe and disbelief - awed by his fearsome prowess on the track, disbelief that he did it on his own steam.

Yes you heard me right! His stellar performance left a big impression in many of the audience. In fact its almost too good to be true...setting the world record at 9.69s (Aug 16, 2008) last year in Beijing, then shaving off quite a considerable amount from that time the following year. Before the Olympics he had set the record at 9.72s (May 31, 2008) beating Asafa Powell's 9.74s. Some are saying that his antics of celebrating before reaching the finishing line in the Olympics last year are done so deliberately to prevent any suspicions had the margin of victory been too big (9.5+s vs previous record of 9.72s).

Ran so fast that he messed up his hair

So did he really cheat? Can anyone really run that fast? He has never failed any drug tests so far though the same can't be said about his compatriots, who later were cleared. We all have our doubts as to this issue, knowing how Marion Jones had never tested positive though she admitted to using banned substances.

Unfortunately, this doping issue is really taking the thunder away from athletes who deserve the glory of victory.Though many offer congratulations and praise to the victor, there are suspicions lingering in the air.

I suggest to the IAAF then to legalise doping. Its a logical solution. You go on with your normal athletics event, then you hold another one on the side and call it the Specially Enhanced Olympics or something...like the ones the disabled have. There are many benefits to this.

1. Your athletes can be free of suspicions and champions can really declare that they did it all by themselves.
2. On the other hand, dopers can have their own stage...meaning you are drawing more people into the sport.
3. Savannah Sanitoa can finish the 100m in under 10seconds (LINK)

4. You can patent and market the products that dopers use - IAAF approved stimulant pills, Rectal Turbo Booster, etc...
5. 100m dash in under 5 seconds!!!

Personally I will give Bolt the benefit of the doubt. I always used to think that the 9.86s set by Carl Lewis in the 90s was unbeatable but as they say records are meant to be broken. Congratulations to you Mr Bolt...for now.

Previous articles on Usain - Bolt: Breakfast of Champions