In an interview with the French newspaper, Le Monde, on the eve of 100th Tour de France, Lance Armstrong implied in a sense that all recent winners of the race, including last year’s winner, Britain’s Sir Bradley Wiggins, must have taken some form of dope. He has categorically said that Tour de France is impossible to win without dope. The Tour is a test of endurance where oxygen is a decisive factor. He further said that for many reasons doping could never be eradicated. He has stressed that he did not invent doping. It didn’t stop with him either. He simply took part in a system which already existed. He knew that it is not a popular thing to say but it is unfortunately the reality. According to Armstrong, dope is not going to help a sprinter over 100 meters but it will definitely make all the difference to a 10,000 meter runner.
We also came across a shocking revelation in the beginning of this year from the Australian Crime Commission (ACC), which involved scientists, coaches and support staff in the provision of drugs across multiple sporting codes, without naming any individuals. It is reported in some cases, the drugs were supplied by organized crime syndicates. Australian home affairs minister said at that time, the findings were shocking and would disgust Australian sport fans. We know for sure that the Australians are over performers in most sports by a big way, let it be cricket, rugby, tennis, swimming or athletic. We add that it will not only disappoint Australian fans but sport fans globally. Added to this dope scandal in sport, we are frequently reading about match fixing and “spot fixing,” mainly in the so-called “gentleman’s game.” At the rate now all kinds of sport are being abused by various malpractices, I wonder whether there will be any spectators to watch them in the future! — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
Shocking revelations
