This age group testing thing seems quite risky for those with numerous types of jobs. A quick look suggests that numerous things can and are tested for and that numerous everyday items contain some of these items. However, the only drug I really worry about my competitors taking is something like EPO (perhaps stored blood but still less of a concern). The rest of the stuff seems much more minor in the grand scheme of things. The more things you test for the more chances of false positives or for positive tests resulting from everyday items. Consequently, the age group testing if restricted to just EPO or such would seem much safer. There is no way I am risking my job - even with less than a 1% chance - for missing tests or testing positive because I ate something that triggered a positive test on some really minor performance enhancing item. I really don’t care if my competitors are taking insulin, snorting cocaine, or even taking steroids. However, the thing that really seems to matter for boosting performance is EPO. Focus on the drug that really matters both in and out of competition for Age group athletes.
All I can say is IT’S ABOUT TIME. I am so glad that they will be testing Age Groupers in and out of competition. I don’t care what anybody says. There are a lot of athletes out there doing illegal Performance drugs. Basically the risk was worth the reward for these people. Meaning there was never any risk to them. Now let them continue to take these drugs. Let them get caught. I’d like to see anybody busted getting more than just a two (2) year ban. Like the No False Start Rule in swimming. Do it once…and you’re out!
Bruce Gennari