The Olympic's Olympic Drug Problem

The 2008 Beijing games have definitely not been found wanting. Throughout the competition records have quite literally been blown out of the water, trampled upon with lightening-fast speed and we've even seen the underdogs win in surprising match-ups (maybe now the Olympic committee will think twice about doing away with the "American dominated" sport of softball). However, I must say I am nearing the end of the games with a taste of doping disappointment.

Now, I know performance enhancing drugs have disqualified athletes from just about every sport--both winter and summer. I never would have guessed four particular drug throw outs. I was excitedly watching the Equestrian jumping event when I learned of an unsettling truth: four of the best riders were disqualified for putting drugs into their horses' systems. The horses were doped...horses...really? Are you serious?

Horses are some of the most majestic and powerful animals ever to walk the planet THEY DON'T NEED DRUGS, they just need a better rider. If that's the case, then I'm glad the riders were disqualified because they're not good enough to be in the Olympics anyway. Secondly, the athletes who drug themselves at least had the choice to do so, as wrong as it may be. I admittedly have an easier time justifying the doping of one's own body rather than drugging an unsuspecting, naturally powerful animal such as a horse.

Ultimately I feel if an athlete is even thinking about pumping up his/her performance illegally then he/she should not count themselves as an athlete of Olympic calliber for that time. I say 'for that time' because I believe people can have a change of heart and ultimately recognize their natural potential. This was ironically demonstrated in the gold medalist of this equine event. He voluntarly withdrew himself from the past two Olympics because of a drug addiction he, himself, was dealing with.

I believe the Olympics are represented by those of honor, strength and patriotism as the Chinese so beautifully alluded to during the opening of the games themselves. I just hope other people, especially the athletes, feel the same.

Sorry, for the little rave. I just had to get that off my chest. Also, I'm sorry for not posting for a while, although most of my fellow bloggers haven't posted in as many days either so I figure I'm good! :)