Lance

I haven’t blogged in a ridiculously long time….not sure why.

But I have this to say today – about the 60 Minutes story last night – about Lance Armstrong taking drugs during his races.

Ok….come on now.  Let’s think about this realistically.

Athletes.  Their bodies are pushed to the limits constantly.  The elite athletes of the world – runners, cyclists, Olympians, football players, baseball players…they are all under intense physical pressure to perform.  Taking “performance-enhancing” drugs almost seems neccessary, doesn’t it?  To keep their bodies going takes more than training….it takes rest, proper fueling, and “supplements” to keep their bodies in peak condition.  Is it so wrong to give their bodies a little boost?  How many people take 5 hour energy these days?  How many people suck down coffee all day to stay awake?  How many people eat vitamins and supplements like they are candy?  Lots of them…and that’s just regular folks trying to keep their bodies moving. 

So is it really a big deal when we hear body builders are taking steroids?  If they are all doing it (and I’m sure most of them are) doesn’t it level out the playing field?  These are athletes we are talking about – not politicians or CEO’s or someone of societal significance that truly affects our lives.  What is our hang up with this idea?

Tyler Hamilton in his 60 Minutes interview admitted they “all” do it…not just Lance.  He and many of his fellow cyclists take EPO to keep them going…have you ever watched the Tour de France?  I get tired just at the thought of it.  There have been many an athlete’s career and legacy destroyed because of these allegations and discoveries of this “doping” activity…but is it neccessary to do so?  I know – but shouldn’t we teach our children it isn’t ok to dope in order to be the best in sports?  Yes, we should.  But the reality is different from the lessons we want to teach.  The reality is bodies break down…bodies when trained and pushed to their limits, need a little help now and then.  And how do you think those football players keep going after pounding each other play after play in the NFL?  Advil doesn’t cut it….I’m sure a little locker room “assistance” is what keeps them boys going through the season.

Our expectations are too high….and the pressure for these athletes to be at the top of their game is immense.  This is sports we are talking about after all – let’s rethink the whole blame game.

Cycle on Lance.