Raducan, a Romanian gymnast, was stripped of her title after she tested positive for Sudafed. Anti-Doping Code aside, the punishment of the gymnast is entirely too strict.
Investigations say the medicine contained illegal pseudoephedrine.
A valid argument, but it lacks standing in this case because Sudafed helps with a cold, not solid dismount from the pommel horse. The future of Olympic sports lies in discipline and set rules against drugs, but the line should not include curing sickness in its quest. It certainly should not punish a fine athlete for trying to ensure her best chances at a good performance. It is unfair to compare this incident with that of a player using steroids or hormones to give them an advantage over other competitors. Raducan, if anything, was trying to again regain her full abilities to properly compete in the individual gymnastic competition.