This:-
rosstheboss":2lyqbjat said:
The way I see it is thus:
If he wasn't on drugs and he beat everyone who was on drugs = Awesome!
If he was on drugs and he beat everyone who was on drugs = Disappointing but nonetheless impressive.
And this:-
FST4RD":2lyqbjat said:
I just think that every now and then in every sport a person comes along that's heads above the rest. Tiger Woods in Golf, Federer in Tennis, Armstrong in cycling etc.
And one other point.
Personally, I've been involved in gyms and other training establishments for approaching 30 years, and seen, trained, trained with, worked with, or helped athletes and gym users of many types.
There's a lot more use of PEDs in a lot more sports and even just pastimes than most probably realise. And certainly more of a fashion thing in recent years, too.
That the reality that many sports are more "dirty" than most would initially realise, is, I suppose a shame - but in practically all of these cases where people are caught or outed, it's far from one singular or rare individual "cheating". Moreover, it's more likely somebody unpopular, an easy target, foolish, ill advised or unprepared.
It's nice for some to have demons and scapegoats - but I can't think of many examples or allegations, where the spectre of drug use has seemingly elevated some mediocre athlete to elite or dominating status all by itself.
To a large degree, like with the Police force, politicians, and journalists - soceity get the sports-people it deserves. Now that sounds a trite cheap shot, but all the same, the adulation, attention and focus are not without effect.