mate, you need to read the news....
That's exactly what I'm talking about Spartacus. You're totally missing my point and what I'm writing here mate. You see, I do not need to read the news, that's just it, can't you see what I'm saying here! The news is for the consumption of the general public. Remember when I mentioned the selective punishment or reprieve! I was interviewed by ABC TV back in the 80s, and I was told what to say when asked about steroid usage. The whole AIS weightlifting program was shut down because of steroids.
Not because people at the top didn't know what was going on at the AIS, but because of two (yes you read correctly), two weightlifters who decided to go to the media, go public and break rank, not thinking past their noses. Now you'd tell me yeh Fadi, but that was back in the 80s, and then you go on to say something like the following...
In countries like Australia, we are now blessed that young weightlifters are no longer simply given drugs by clubs and doctors, as they were in the 1980s.
You call it a blessing, I don't! I think there is a better way. And since we live in a society where we are blessed to exercise freedom of choice, a choice that allows us to consume poison (as in alcohol and cigarettes), why not steroids? Why would you call both doctor and athlete a bunch of cheats when it comes to steroids, but not the enjoyment of alcohol and tobacco, which are legal in this country. Some might say that that's exactly why, because alcohol and tobacco is legal, then we should just carry on with it. I say this is hypocrisy of the highest order!
So what do you mean that Australia does not want to do well?
Well that depends by what you consider to be "well". I'm no longer an Olympic weightlifter, but I believe you still are, correct me if I'm wrong please. What would you consider to be well (as in achievements) after you put in 8, 10, 12 or so workouts a week in order to improve your technique and lift heavier weights overhead? A state title or a world record? I'm speaking for lifters who wish to go all the way, all the way in a responsible manner, under the guidance of both coaches and doctors. What's so damn wrong with that, please enlighten me Spartacus. Thank you.