I hear this all the time from “arm chair” athletes, “glory days” co-workers, and “mediocre” pros: “everyone is doping!”
I usually just shrug my shoulders and agree because I don’t know and honestly couldn’t give any proof or facts one way or the other.
But since becoming an avid enthusiast of cycling, it has made me think more about the subject. Among the media and general public, cycling, has a tainted image. Especially with all the circulation of Lance Armstrong’s use of performance enhancers during his 7 Tour de France wins, Operation Puerto, and Floyd Landis have only compounded the issue.
I have to admit up front I judged Landis to be a cheater the first time I saw him on tv trying to defend himself, but after reading this book I was able to put a side some of the thing personal and character issues keeping me from making a somewhat objective judgment. Like the fact he is not very articulate, and struggles to explain the technical elements of his case.
Most importantly, if he’s innocent why hasn’t he just cleared his name up front, or proven that the French were out to get him. From my broad knowledge of the law and justice in the country it shouldn’t be difficult to clear himself of these charges.
Aren’t drug test pretty clear? Positive or negative. Litmus test like.
If you have had similar thoughts then you need to read this book. Landis opens your eyes to who he is as a person with all his faults and failures, and then constructs the unfair and nefarious process an athlete–himself– goes through when accused of doping. And very convincing, Landis, dismantles and destroys the case against him.
Two points of interest:
- In drug testing, like all science, the method is more important than the outcome. If the method or process is flawed then the results don’t matter. Because the French lab does not have transparency, and Landis and his team have pointed out some very gross errors you have to believe the results are erroneous, or at the very least without credibility.
- The system is broken. I cannot believe a system, or organization like WADA/USADA (anti-doping agencies), that writes the laws/rules, prosecutes athletes, and chooses the judges can objectively and fairly bring anyone to justices. Even the most villainous of athletes (ummm Barry Bonds) has the right to be fairly treated, and given a process with checks and balances to determine his guilt or innocence.
Both of these points are important because you are dealing with athletes lives.
Lastly, why hasn’t Landis just bailed out quietly? Other athletes caught in the whirlwinds of doping scandals have done so, why not him? Why is he spending all of his money to fight this? I believe that speaks highly of his personal character.
Anyone who says “everyone is doping” can only justify why they are not good enough to be great.
