http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080104/ap_on_sp_te_ne/ten_hingis_doping
Having read this article I wonder… how exactly would cocaine make you better at tennis? Cocaine might be ill advised for a variety of reasons, but does it really represent cheating?
I guess my point is then, if it isn’t cheating why it it the SPORT’S business?
Doesn’t mean she’s used it for cheating, just that she’s got a nose problem. Many athletes in different sports have been suspended, etc. for using illegal drugs (Ricky Williams anyone…or how about Daryl Strawberry?).
Because they are using illegal substances. Remember, this is their job (the athlete’s job) and like many jobs these days there are drug tests…either pre-employment or randomly over the course of employment. If an employee wishes to keep their job (or get the job), they’ll refrain from using illegal substances.
It seems odd that people would use cocaine when playing a sport like tennis, but the explanation of it being a performance enhancer is that it helps overcome any nervousness and jitters that the player might have. Since it gives a sense of euphoria and power, the player will feel very confident which would be considered an advantage.
I’m not sold that you’d really play better on cocaine than not, but if it’s on the list of banned substances then that’s the final word.
You probably aren’t old enough to remember Vitas Gerulaitis. ALWAYS came out and won the first set. Hmmm….. then the tennis match would start after he “calmed” down.