Is rigorous drug testing changing national performances at the Olympics?

Question

These games have seen the most rigorous drug testing ever. Traditional national performances have changed this year. Are we seeing a change in national performances?

Just a few to remember::

Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, Marion Jones, Tim Montgomery, Justin Gatlin, Jeremy Giambi, Floyd Landis, Rafael Palmeiro, Ricky Williams, Jose Canseco, Chris "The Birdman" Andersen

Answer 1

Random/frequent drug testing has had and will continue to have a huge affect on the olympics, but not so much on baseball. It amazes me that we all know they are using steroids, but no one seems to do anything about it I think it is because (for example) there is so much money in baseball. The players have a huge salary, if the players do well that sells tickets, merchandise, media attention, etc.. So many people make money off huge sports that they may turn a blind eye. Whereas the olympic athletes do not make any money and most Americans have never even heard of most of the athletes or seen any of the sports on t.v. So if someone is banned from the olympics it would not cause as much of an uproar like barry bonds, etc.. would.

(Hope this makes some sense??)

Answer 2

yes and that has to be a good thing. How many got away with it before and won medals can't be quantified. and now we know that many of the current batch of Russian athletes were swopping urine samples and got caught, plus others have been chucked out, one hopes that this can be a better, drug free, ish, games

Answer 3

Yes, and full credit to the chemists at the doping agencies for not only detecting the drugs, but also masking agents which have in the past, been the americans best friend.

You could add a sizeable list of Russians to this Q.