Bolt backlash begins

[Gob]

A CHICAGO sports broadcaster and columnist has all but accused the world's fastest man Usain Bolt of using performance enhancing drugs. ..

"Anyone wasting words extolling the greatness of Usain Bolt should know better," wrote Dan Bernstein on CBSChicago.com.

"Even the simplest assessment of the circumstances surrounding the explosive success of Jamaican sprinting... sets off alarms."

Bernstein does not allege directly that Bolt is guilty of doping, but points to his training partner and London 100m and 200m silver medallist Yohan Blake, who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug prior to the 2009 World Championships.

Bernstein also draws a link to a man called Angel Hernandez, a former chemist with the tainted American drug company BALCO, which was found to be manufacturing steroids.

"Bolt reportedly has been working with Angel Hernandez," Bernstein alleges.

Usain Bolt has always tested clean and has never failed a drug test.

News.com.au readers have reacted to the column with a message of their own. Could it be a case of sour grapes for the Americans?

Hooverman of Adelaide writes: "Really people in glass houses should not throw stones. Maybe they should look back at their own very tainted drug testing history for example athletes not tested during certain times on purpose to ensure that no positive results are returned."

Carol of Newcastle writes: "USA missed out because of Jamaica. In fact... both claims could easily be argued. Drugs and sour grapes. Neither are cool."

[Joe Guy]

News.com.au readers have reacted to the column with a message of their own. Could it be a case of sour grapes for the Americans?

Hooverman of Adelaide writes: "Really people in glass houses should not throw stones. Maybe they should look back at their own very tainted drug testing history for example athletes not tested during certain times on purpose to ensure that no positive results are returned."

Carol of Newcastle writes: "USA missed out because of Jamaica. In fact... both claims could easily be argued. Drugs and sour grapes. Neither are cool."

If some jerk in Chicago believes Bolt uses steroids, that's his opinion, not America's. Some people are just plain stupid.

[Lord Jim]

If some jerk in Chicago believes Bolt uses steroids, that's his opinion, not America's.

The view that one publicity seeking sportswriter in Chicago's opinion somehow represents the view of "the Americans" is just about as ignorant as making the unsubstantiated doping charge.

[MajGenl.Meade]

Also has anyone verified his age? And what about a genetic test huh? Maybe he was born a woman - they won more golds so that could be it

[Econoline]

If you check the public records in Hawaii I believe you'll find he was born in Kenya.







...or was that "check the public records in Kenya and you'll find he was born in Hawaii"??? I can never remember....

[MajGenl.Meade]

I thought that loophole had been closed?

[dgs49]

I think the unfortunate fact is that it has become possible to cheat in a way that is undetectable. What other conclusion can you draw from the big picture? How could Lance Armstrong go through an entire career of blood and urine tests, never have a "positive" result, and then be revealed as a cheater (assuming that is what has happened)?

As discussed previously on this board, what is the logical conclusion one must draw from the fact that Jamaica (Jamaica!) finished 1-2-3 in the 200m? Dope? Healthy diet?

It all becomes suspect.

[Joe Guy]

Is that how it's going to be from now on?

Any athlete that is exceptional will be suspected of using steroids?

Meanwhile, here in SF, Melky Cabrera, who is having an exceptional year with the Giants, is busted for taking testosterone.

Here is the story.

[Lord Jim]

What a friggin' moron....

[dales]

X1000, Jim.

Especailly after that juicer Barry Bonds went through (and deservedly so).

Hey Melky.........

BITE ME!