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Almaz Ayana Breaks 10,000-meter World Record at 2016 Rio Olympics, Promptly Accused of Doping
Ethiopian Alma Ayana broke the world record in the women's 10,000 meter race at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on August 12, 2016. It may be more appropriate to say that she destroyed the world record by 14 seconds. It only took a few minutes before one of her competitors promptly accused her of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Bad sportsmanship has become fashionable among anti-doping crusaders at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Olympic athletes who accused other athletes of using steroids and PEDs are hailed as courageous heroes. So, it is no surprise that more and more athletes are foregoing the Olympic traditions of sportsmanship that include the customary congratulations and praise for the winners. More and more are accusing their opponents of doping instead.
The latest athlete to point the finger was Swedish runner Sarah Lahti who could only manage to finish 12th place behind Ayana. Her “sour grapes” comments were literally made only minutes after the race finished. Lahti simply couldn't fathom how anyone could run so fast as to break a 23-year old world record. Of course, Lahti had no proof whatsoever to support her accusations.
"I do not believe that she is one hundred per cent. It is too easy for her," Lahti complained to a reporter with the Swedish newspaper Expressen. "One cannot see a facial expression, and she just runs on while others struggle for life behind her. I cannot say that she is not clean, but there is little doubt."
Lahti was not the only Olympian to cast aspersions on Ayana's accomplishment. Irishwoman Sonia O'Sullivan, won the silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, supported Lahti accusations. O'Sullivan didn't have any proof that Ayana used EPO or any other PED either. She could only point to the effortlessness of Ayana's victory and the fact that Ayana “didn't look tired afterwards” to support her accusations.
"She broke the world record by a clear 15 seconds which is about 100m," O'Sullivan said in an interview with Irish television channel RTE. "That's a world record that many people would have questioned for a long time, 23 years ago set by the Chinese. I'm not jumping out of my seat because you question it as well yourself, how can you do that? It is 23 years later. Is it 23 years of knowing more training, being better athletes? How do you have an athlete that can break the world record so easily like that? She didn't look very tired afterwards.”
The bad sportmanship displayed by Lahti may even be worse than that shown by American swimmer Lilly King. King refused to congratulate her chief rival Russian Yulia Efimova after defeating her in the women's 100-meter breaststroke. The reason? King felt she was morally superior to Efimova. King didn't believe Efimova was good enough to be in the Olympics because she served a doping suspension several years ago. But at least there was some evidence that Efimova had previously doped. Lahti had no evidence at all.
Ayana's world record of 29:17.45 in the 10,000-meters was an amazing accomplishment. It is one that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. Contrary to the trend among anti-doping crusaders and other hypocrites who pick and choose who is worthy of praise, bad sportsmanship is never justified.Leave a comment:
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I think Phelps will be back for a limited schedule in 4 years. Maybe 2-3 races. Despite that interview he gave the other day I'm not sure he can live without being involved in swimming.Leave a comment:
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Yeah, not sure what happened there. Total choke job. Usually they are going toe to toe with the US.Leave a comment:
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Australians really need to go back and rethink their swimming program... Complete and utter US domination.
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Just watched the medal ceremony where Phelps got his 23rd gold. Goosebumps, listening to the anthem.Leave a comment:
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US swimmer Ledecky destroys world record. Damn.
Won the race by over 11 seconds. LmaoLeave a comment:
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Kicking ass in the pool again for the 2nd night in a row! :USA: :USA:Leave a comment:
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Egyptian won't shake hands with Israeli who beats him in Judo. Shameful.
http://m.imgur.com/hpKvFIK?rLeave a comment:
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weirdest shit ever.
Rio diving pool—still green—now closed and smells like farts
Authorities have blamed everything from people to pH, but no end is in sight.
Rio diving poolLeave a comment:
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Yeah, I heard that interview. I guess that when swimming is your life like it was for him, when it is gone, you have to question the reason for your continued existence. Good for him that he found love and his kid - sounds like he is very happy now.Leave a comment:
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