Another world record, another drugs bust…
Ruth Chepngetich has been caught for smashing drugs, and although not directly related to her insanely quick, 2:09:56 run at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, in my opinion a cheat is a cheat and if someone is going to take drugs to get an unfair advantage then any performance of theirs is meaningless.
I know many people who get absolutely enraged by the use of drugs in sport but more than anything else, I actually feel pity for them. I don’t care that much about world records (just numbers/see previous blog) but I feel sad for anyone who genuinely believes they need to take drugs that can threaten their life and health in the name of running around a track slightly quicker.
I get that for some people athletic success is a way out of poverty and some are pushed into it by unscrupulous coaches BUT we all have the ability to make decisions for ourselves and say no. I’m very sceptical that anyone has ever genuinely not known they were taking illegals (Mo).
So apart from the shame it can bring on you as an athlete what other harm can drugs do? Steroids can put tendons at severe risks, for example the achilles, hamstrings and quadriceps tendons. In essence, the muscle and associated strength develop too quickly for the tendons to keep up and when tendons get torn, it can be a long, frustrating rehab process. Steroid use can also put athletes at increased risk of stress fractures as it reduces bone mineral density. Cyclists’ favourite, EPO, can cause artery blockage leading to stroke and heart attack.
Worth it? Probably not, but if you do insist on taking drugs and suffer the associated tendon injuries VPSM are still here to help you and we won’t judge.