For too many reasons to hash out here, I have been absent from blogging. But nothing like a little controversy to make me come out of hiding, as the recent slate of failed drug tests by a few of our Jamaican [professional] track & field athletes. Of particular interest to me is the continued misconception and misplaced ideal held by the large majority, about the existence and use of supplementation (synonymous with drug usage) in sports.
In times gone by, the prevalence of drug usage - or rather failed drug tests suggesting usage of banned substances - amongst track & field athletes seemed concentrated in other parts of the world. Far from our shores, it was something that was discussed in our local circles with abject disdain and condescension especially for the perpetrators. And made even worse when said perpetrators won out in competitions against our very own darlings of the sport. To any Jamaican you asked, you could almost script the response "...a so dem [insert relevant nationality here] tief man! We did know!" Not to be outdone, lets follow that up with the scenario of newcomers of the same nationality winning against a Jamaican and in fine style. Then it becomes "...no man, him/she deh pon sumting!" Nowhere would it be believed that these athletes worked as hard and as clean as our own to produce such outstanding results.
Fast forward to 2008 when one of our own crushed records and carved his name in Jamaican and world history as the fastest man alive. The world became curious and even suspicious of the talent of the lanky young man from Jamaica. And in so doing placed the shoe on the other foot with questions being asked and the suggestions being made that his feat was not real and may likely have been due to un-natural means, aka drug usage. Well, I need not state the outrage exhibited by Jamaicans at such brazen suggestions. It was such that, if televisions could have been reached into or articles could have conjured up their authors, a few murders or beatings would have been committed. Ironically, shortly thereafter, five Jamaican athletes returned positive tests for banned substances. This prompted the blame game chant that "it must have been planted or deliberately given to them with ill intentions" or "it was because the athlete trained overseas". And while the "its only a matter of time" sentiment was shelved regarding said athlete, the increased incidences involving other athletes did not teach us anything let alone open our eyes to the truth. Even with the latest occurrence involving Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, it is clear that Jamaicans continue to be misguided in thinking that because we are from the 'little rock' such occurrences should not and cannot happen because we aren't exposed or hold on to a higher moral code than most. Well newsflash Jamaica, we are exposed more than you know and our high moral code isn't worth much if our crime, corruption and other ailments are any indicators! I therefore implore you…please get off of that high horse.
Please understand that intentionally or not, athletes do ingest supplements, outside of food, to keep or improve their edge and help them handle the rigors of intense training and competition regimes. Whether or not they (and the ingredients) are banned is not the issue, rather, understanding that non-food supplementation is real and in many cases a must, is. If you've ever taken a multi-vitamin or an Advil or even an energy drink either before or after an intense workout, or on the recommendation of a doctor, then rest assured that you too have supplemented. Let us also be clear that supplementation does NOT equate to steroid use only nor does it mean an attempt to cheat the parameters set. But in this day and age where a trip across the waters (aka overseas) is the norm and access to the worldwide web is commonplace and even easier than before, we would be naive to think that athletes' exposure to all things supplementation, even the dark side, is unavoidable.
Ultimately, athletes are responsible for what they supplement with, and knowing that as professionals they are held to a higher standard than the average, makes it critically important that they choose wisely. To the extent that they do know what their supplementation regimes entail and execute them within the given guidelines, where then does the process go wrong to yield such adverse findings? It makes one wonder whether the current parameters (aka banned substance list) are just too restrictive or athletes (and by extension their management teams) have become too complacent and hence careless in their practice of 'due diligence'? It is my understanding that the list is revised often and so an athlete can easily run a foul of regulations unintentionally, if an ingredient previously not listed, is suddenly added. In such cases, the World Anti-doping Agency owe it to all dependent on them, to maintain a level of consistency and transparency. Failing this, they will continue to make the problem worse. At the same time athletes are aware of how exhaustive the list is so in cases where it is unclear which supplements meet approval then wouldn't it be safer to avoid at all costs or get medical clearance for usage? I know the process may not be as simple as I am suggesting, but I do know that placing blame elsewhere reeks of irresponsibility and immaturity. Its like a restaurant owner blaming the janitor or auxiliary staff for the company failing its health inspection, pointless. So buck up friends, take the hits like grown ups and let the lessons serve as reminders of just how expensive it is to leave your life and livelihood in the hands of others.
Peace Out
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