It is worth reminding ourselves who Gatlin (30) is, and from whence he came. In 2002 whilst a teenager Gatlin failed a drugs test for amphetamine. A 2 year ban followed which was later reduced on appeal. Gatlin claimed that the test result derived from medication for ADHD. Returning to competition and embraced by the US team, Gatlin then went on to win the Olympic Gold in Athens 2004 and the World Championships the following season.
However in 2006 Gatlin tested positive for testosterone. He was coached by Trevor Graham. 8 of his athletes have served substantial bans for drug abuse. Gatlin initially faced a lifetime ban, reduced to 8 years and eventually to just 4 years through a combination of assistance with the authorities and the 'exceptional circumstances' of his original drug ban. Ironically Gatlin had sold himself as the kind of Olympic Champion who did not need to cheat. He was able to return to mainstream athletics in 2010 and has gradually picked up the pace ever since. Last year Gatlin was selected for the US team and reached the semi finals of the outdoor World Championships.Earlier this year Gatlin reclaimed the World 60m indoor title with Chambers grabbing the bronze in 3rd. Siza Agha protests that one GB journalist proclaimed that Chambers 'failed to defend his title'.
Gatlin has been welcomed back into the fold. He is supported by his national federation, wants for nothing financially and, per Siza Agha, has 'corporate backing'. Gatlin has regularly appeared at Diamond League meetings.
Meanwhile what of Chambers. Or should that read ' Drugs Cheat Chambers'? Chambers was banned for 2 years and served that ban 7 years ago. He is shunned by the mainstream and is not invited to Grand Prix meetings. The BOA spent vast sums of money fighting a losing legal battle to prevent him running in the Olympics.
Siza Agha believes that Chambers achievements since returning should be viewed as 'against all odds' given that he does not have the benefit of regular competition at the highest level.
Gatlin has always protested his innocence. Most 'cheats' do. Gatlin blames a masseur for using steroid cream. Chambers confessed and assisted the authorities and has worked behind the scenes to educate others for the past few years.
Dwain Chambers wont win the gold medal at London 2012. He will be there however representing Great Britain. 33 year old Dwain has served his time and now has a final shot at competing at the pinnacle of his sport. I wonder what kind of reception he will get and how it will compare with the litany of other drug cheats parading before us?
I would expect a lot of disapproval. When Katerina Thanou re-appeared in 2007 at the Birmingham Arena, the crowd gave her a nasty reception despite the lack of any bans [5 years later she was cleared of criminal charges too].
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, most people fail to even comprehend what doping is and how it works. Worse still, governing bodies do apply a selective approach towards punishment.