Sacramento shoe drops: Two drug cases at masters worlds pending

Stan Perkins

Stan Perkins, president of World Masters Athletics, has confirmed news I heard: Sacramento had at least two drug cases. Countries aren’t named. But Team USA had nearly half the 4,100 entrants. So here’s all I know. Stan writes: “At this time I can confirm that there were two notifications that have been referred by WMA to the National Affiliate of the athletes’ concerned. As you know there is a defined procedure that has to be followed in these matters and until a final outcome is determined we are not at liberty to provide you or anyone else any further information. I can inform you that the two athletes are from different countries.” Another source says one athlete refused drug-testing, which can lead to an automatic two-year ban. Stay tuned.

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August 15, 2011

13 Responses

  1. Lesley Richardson - August 15, 2011

    Glad to see that doping controls are in place at these championships and that cheats are getting caught.
    It is pretty unbelievable that masters even think of doing this when all is at stake is a medal possibly.
    I would like to see doping controls at all National Masters champs too which would hopefully reduce the number of adverse findings at Regionals and Worlds.

  2. Lis Shepard - August 15, 2011

    Cheating blows my mind. As a racewalker, I am blown away by cheating via breaking our rules (one foot on the ground at all times, no bent knee on support foot), but even more blown away when people cheat via ergogenic aids. I might be slow and addicted to my coffee, but I even watch that!

    I did wonder if out-of-stadia events were being tested. Personally, I think it is so sad drugs testing is necessary in Master’s events. I wonder if they are necessary in Senior’s events.

  3. Bob Cat - August 15, 2011

    Drugs are everywhere. Test everyone.
    Have a nice day.

  4. Bubba Sparks - August 15, 2011

    Lesley they do test at Nationals now. Started at Berea last month.

  5. Oscar Peyton - August 15, 2011

    Wow, I see a refusal of testing as almost equivalent to an admission of guilt. let’s all adhere to the rules and regulations of our sport, no matter how right or wrong they may seem to be. It is not that serious that we should resort to breaking rules and abusing our bodys to win or perform better.

  6. Fidel Banuelos - August 15, 2011

    Oscar, to some, it IS serious enough. It’s not the medals. It’s trying to relive those glory days and not being able to accept slower times and mounting injuries. Kind of a gamblers mentality. These athletes just wants to get as close to that PB as possible and stay there as long as possible.

  7. ventsi - August 16, 2011

    Agree 100 % with Lesley (No. 7). There is no excuse for taking PED’s! And drug testing should be done at every national, regional, or whatever other competition.

    To Fidel (No.8): I’ve never been an elite level athlete, so I don’t understand this mentality – “reliving the glory of the past days”, etc.
    Unfortunately, there can not be separate competitions for cheating elite-level athletes (of course, not all the elite athletes are cheating).
    And it IS cheating – because many of the normal guys lose medals because of that!

    Otherwise, those of us, who train seriously and regularly, using only proteins, vitamins and minerals as supplements (if any at all), have the feeling that these cheating guys mock at us, pointing fingers and laughing at us: “See those fools, they are running like crazy, and hope to achieve something…”

    Many U.S. sprinters M35 and M40 have quite well built bodies .. a bit suspicious… i doubt this is only due to genetic luck or hard long-term training..

  8. Terry Parks - August 16, 2011

    Let’s not point fingers based on mere suspicion. I know that I have been lucky in the genetic lottery in that my body gets strong fairly quickly from hard running work and lifting. It is a pity that a few bad apples spoil it for those of us who work hard and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Believe me, it is possible to get strong and feel great by working hard, eating right, resting, and having the right blend of genetics.

  9. tony - August 17, 2011

    Even old folks are taking drugs. I guess once a drugist always a drugist.

  10. Enrico Saraceni, alias cobra - August 18, 2011

    Only two cases of posivitĂ , perhaps of about 30 tests. If the 4500 participating athletes had done all the tests, they talk of many other cases of posivitĂ !

    What a shame!

  11. Susan Wiemer - August 18, 2011

    I agree with Terry. Please let us not get to the point where we are suspicious of every muscular masters athlete. I also agree that we should do as much testing, and at as many levels of competition as possible.

  12. Ralph Maxwell - August 18, 2011

    The most distressing consequence of an undetected drug-enhanced “record” performance is that it usurps from a legitimate record holder the coveted and precious title he or she honorably earned. I realize drug testing is a costly precaution, but it is a necessary one.

  13. Enrico Saraceni, alias cobra - August 19, 2011

    Important events in the doping control should expand!
    Especially the winners and especially those who set records!
    I remember when I made the record on the 200m Indoor M 40 in Genoa (Italy), I underwent voluntary control in a sports medicine facility!
    This should be the sport, who train with quotidianetĂ  on bread and sweat on the track, and does not try to fool the other contestants, and above all himself

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