Gary Snyder
, chairman of USATF Masters Track & Field Committee, has denied a contention made by AP national writer
Eddie Pells that “USA Track and Field … requested a USADA presence at its masters national championships this summer after international organizers told the American track organization it would stop accepting U.S. records if it didn’t ramp up its anti-doping program.” In a response to a set of questions, Gary wrote me (and records chair
Sandy Pashkin): “No one is threatening us; furthermore USADA does not act independently. If you find out, let me know!” Later Sunday night, Eddie responded that Gary had in fact suggested the records-testing link. Eddie wrote me: “Had two other people I talked to telling me the same thing – record acceptance could be in jeopardy if no testing at nationals. So, bottom line, I’m very comfortable with what I reported.”
3 Responses
Obviously I believe Gary. I don’t think drug testing at nationals is out of order in any way. BUT – at Worlds it was $6.25 added to the entry and Berea it was I think $20 or $25. If they used the “screen for levels” test they may be able to charge $5 and test twice the number of athletes and catch the real cheaters, not the girl who bought nasal spray the night before the meet like at Kamloops.
I have never known Gary to do anything but the right thing for all of us in Masters Track…and I also believe Gary.
I think it was a slow news day at AP. The claim by Eddie Pells strikes me as reading far too much into far too little.
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