What do you think of track athletes who do bad things to their health (i.e drink, smoke cigars)?

Question

A few years ago, I witnessed three talented teammates from my track team celebrate a great season.....by smoking cigars!!!! I would NEVER do something like this to my health and I wonder how the rest of the T&F world reacts to this athletic heresy.

Answer 1

if it's one and done, not so much but if it's a "habit" ~ yeah a very big impact and fairly stupid on their part . . .

Answer 2

One or two cigars is not going to impact their health in the slightest... same with moderate drinking.

Answer 3

The occasional cigar will not have much of an impact as they are not intended to be inhaled.

Answer 4

Well a lot of people that run professionally don't or may do it very rarely, but they know that their sport is what they make their living off of so they stay healthy to compete and hopefully win.

listen to jerry seinfeld's comments on the olympics, it brings up the same thing

:)

Answer 5

pin a rose on your nose

Answer 6

Yes, i believe it is very silly to do such things when it could ruin their career. There is no point in smoking either! Whereas, people can understand having a drink from time to time!

Answer 7

Unfortunately, this happens all the time.  At the top levels, much of this is removed.  This may have been a one time occurance.  What about those athletes that train really well, but then eat things like fast food?  What about sodas?  Those have more negative impact than a celebratory cigar.  In fact, a Colorado football coach talked about the performance of his team after they removed the free soda dispenser from the training center.  They were faster, stronger and less prone to injury.  

Personally, I think that if you are going to train hard, then you need to go all the way.  This means no cigars, eat well, stay hydrated, etc.  You don't want to look back at what could have been!

Good Luck!