Disqus - Latest Comments for dhowls

Re: Dara Torres Takes Moral High Ground Despite Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs

millardbaker — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:51:23 -0000

The demonization of performance enhancement is a tragedy. There are various performance enhancing substances. Anti-doping agencies have undertaken the task of identifying which performance enhancing substances are permitted (and under what circumstances) and which ones are prohibited.

DOPING is the use of banned PEDs violating the WADA code.

The simple use of PEDs does not necessarily constitute doping.

An athlete can use PEDs and still NOT be guilty of DOPING.

So, stating that an athlete is USING PEDs is NOT the same as stating that an athlete is DOPING.

Sometime using PEDs is doping, sometimes it is not.

Re: Dara Torres Takes Moral High Ground Despite Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs

millardbaker — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:39:12 -0000

@dhowls, I have no "beef" with Dara Torres. Granted, I am dismayed by the self-righteous undertones in her recent statements. But that does not change my opinion that she is an unqualified success - "in my eyes" - period.

Her performances have been spectacular. She is one of the most admirable and inspirational athletes in the Olympics challenging our preconceived notions regarding the limitations of human performance with age.

When it comes to performance and doping, my prolific record on the internet shows that I'm anything but narrow-minded on the topic.

I have never claimed that Dara Torres is a "cheater." I am actually one of the people who believe she is following the WADA/IOC/FINA rules and NOT "doping" as it is defined in the WADA code. I have repeatedly stated this.

My point of contention is the arbitrariness and capriciousness of the WADA code itself. I think the Dara Torres case illustrates this very well. In fact, you've made the case for me with your statement:

"She is taking a medication that 100's of elite competitors take to treat asthma.
She was diagnosed with asthma years ago.
She switched medications to one that is allowed by the IOC. "

That is exactly the point I've been making which I've stated repeatedly, albeit less euphemestically:

Dara Torres, like hundreds of other swimmers, is using performance enhancing drugs sanctioned by the IOC due to thereapeutic use exemptions; whereas, other athletes who use similar asthma medications that are not sanctioned by the IOC are vilified.

There is no scenario in which Torres should be "damned."

Yet, the WADA code and the implementation of the doping protocols are another story.

Thanks for the opportunity to clarify my position on Dara Torres.

Re: Dara Torres Takes Moral High Ground Despite Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs

dhowls — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:55:15 -0000

Millard,

You're an idiot. Torres has gone above and beyond what is required of her to prove she is not doping.
She is taking a medication that 100's of elite competitors take to treat asthma.
She was diagnosed with asthma years ago.
She switched medications to one that is allowed by the IOC.
In this year's Olympics those not wearing the new suit, which by the way is approved by the IOC are at a disadvantage since everyone will be wearing one.
What's your beef? Envious that you can't do what she is doing?
She proclaims she is clean. All tests prove that she is.
Why not tie her to a post, call the firing squad and shoot her before her first race.
In your eyes she is damned if she succeeds and damned if she fails.
Yes, you are a narrow minded idiot.