Many athletic superstar runners have undergone USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) dope testing this week. Some passed, some failed and public opinion has been shattered. Jamaica’s celebrated six time Olympic champion Usain Bolt tested negative for using dope and/or performance enhancement drugs, however the backlash of the ‘positive’ results of the other athletes is leaving the public wondering if he is really clean. Some experts have speculated that testing in Jamaica isn’t as stringent as in the US. Jamaica’s beloved super runner is now being tainted and doubted due to this unfortunate scandal. If Usain Bolt tested clean then he is clean!
Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell tested positive. His trainer, Chris Xuereb has insisted he is not to blame for the Jamaican sprinter’s positive drug test and claims he is being made a scapegoat.
US Former World Champion Tyson Gay tested positive and fought back tears as he gave the following statement to the Associated Press:
“I don’t have a sabotage story. I don’t have any lies. I don’t have anything to say to make this seem like it was a mistake or it was on USADA’s hands, someone playing games. I don’t have any of those stories. I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down. I have to go over everything with USADA first. I will take whatever punishment I get like a man. I do realize and respect what I put in my body and it is my responsibility. I’m going to be honest with USADA, about everything, everybody I’ve been with, every supplement I’ve ever taken, every company I’ve ever dealt with, everything.”
Many have speculated that Gay turned to performance enhancers due to his struggles with injuries over the past five years.
There will certainly be a price to pay for this regrettable turn of events with these professional athletes however let us continue to give accolades to those who are playing fair and running clean.
