Americans love the Olympics. And why shouldn’t we? They cover just about every form of entertainment: Drama. Suspense. Mystery. Action. Even a little comedy. The Olympics are the perfect movie for both men and women. It’s free if you watch the events on TV and it lasts a whole two weeks.
The problem is, this is one action film that shouldn’t include special effects. Those tanned, well-oiled, rippling thigh muscles ferociously pounding around an Olympic-arena track are supposed to be real. Those arms and fists thrust into the air after a glorious victory are supposed to represent the very best the natural world has to offer — not who has access to the best muscle-enhancing drugs.
The games haven’t even started yet and already the talk is about the drug testing that has been going on and who isn’t going to make it to Sydney, after all. Some athletes defend their drug use. Such debate is not worth the time. The long-term damage these people do to their bodies for a short-term victory refutes any argument. To expect all athletes to use the same drugs to level the playing field is absolute absurdity and is deserving of a last-place finish in common sense.
So, no one should be surprised these next couple weeks if they discover the truth behind their favorite athlete’s talent. Unfortunately, it sheds a bad light on those honest athletes, and there are plenty of them, who don’t use drugs.
Perhaps one solution is for the world to demand to be represented by drug-free athletes. Of course, that might mean fewer broken world and Olympic records. But some of the best movies — and Olympic moments — are appreciated for their subtlety.
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