Track and Field Exposed - Beyond a Friendly Competition

With the track and field season underway, you got to know that everyone is simply not playing fair and square.  There are those companies who are unable to market their businesses on apparel, post banner ads along fencing and other limitations unless they are on a list, approved by whoever behind the event and so on.  Now if that isn't enough, when we look at track and field on the high school and college levels, just like with other sports, there are those who use their share of performance enhancing drugs and supplements.  It isn't just about a good workout, healthy eating, and great trainers, for some participants  (as well as zealot parents) it is about the coveted number one spot so that athletes are noticed, scholarship money rolls in, and parents don't have to worry about debt.

Here is an article that reflects more than just a competition but an entire industry that relies on their brands, logos, etc. being seen particularly during an Olympic season.  You have to think big folks!  Rather than elitists deciding for these professionals what specific brands only go on their apparel, this writer would like to call the shots on who to partner with.  Hey, not mad at him in the least, why not?  Your body, your performance and your bank account.

An Open Letter to the Professional Athletes of Track and Field

Notice this video, that's not a woman, but a man!  Now why do such a thing?  Because scandal sells. People by their very nature like to cheat to win and besides isn't this a great way to push a subculture's agenda.  Remember the Caster Semenya scandal?

 Her mother says she was a born a girl.  Others say she is a hermaphrodite.  She married a woman.


Hmmm. Suspect.  Testosterone supplements?

Secrets are safe until an athlete does or says something to anger their handlers and other gatekeepers of information.  Once that is done, they are humiliated in front of the masses.  See "Famous Cheaters in Running History" below.  Notice they are all black and their coaches, well uh...there faces aren't plastered everywhere, now are they?  Was it really necessary to cheat or was there something more sinister at work?



Alot of money is at stake when a scandal breaks out.  So how much do runners make? Well the payment varies depending on the kind of race and is broken down based on distance and other factors and as mentioned before if they are endorsed by a company, cha ching!  See video below.



Watch out for Bolt, it is only a matter of time...unless of course he is a favorite like Carl Lewis.  In a 2003 article on the guardian website, Lewis said, "There were hundreds of people getting off," he said. "Everyone was treated the same."  Lewis failed three tests during the 1988 Olympics.  US Olympic trials United States Olympic Committee had initially denied claims that 114 positive tests between 1988 and 2000 were covered up, according to the article.



Despite all the controversies and the shady dealings, there are still people who simply value the sport and participate with good intentions.  Following is a great read on the benefits of getting children involved in the sport.  What Can Track and Field Do for Your Student Athletes