Surely, this raises questions about the drug testing programme. In the case of British athlete, Diane Modahl, who was cleared after a positive drugs test, and the recent UK Athletics' nandrolone cases leaving potentially innocent athletes struggling to clear their names, the specificity must be questioned too. Ultimately, the answer may be that we are fighting the wrong war. Surely, educating our youth is the real battle and way ahead. For the vast majority of people, advice on diet and training will dispense with the need for performance enhancing drugs.
Elite athletes are different.
If we are not prepared to invest much more into drug testing programmes, the answer, however unpalatable, may be to abandon the tests. Then we could offer athletes the opportunity of open discussions with their doctors and provide adequate monitoring of the harm drugs can cause. It would also take the issue out of the media spotlight. Ultimately, the responsibility lays with the athlete - for what price a gold medal if it is tarnished by deceit. Surely, no true athlete can value a medal if is won through cheating.