Read your piece with interest. I cover T&F in the UK. All the scandals, is it now 3 of the USA Sydney Relay Team who have failed drug tests. Jones, Gatlin, Montgomery have I am afraid made all of us deeply disenchanted with USA Sprinters. Which is a shame for you and you compatriots who run clean. We have had problems over here as well with Dwain Chambers. These cheats have wrecked the sport of short sprinting, and I feel sorry for you and all the current Sprinters who have been tainted with these scandals. It will take a few years I feel until the Public regain confidence.Which is sad, and these cheats need to understand that not only have they let themselves down but the sport. Too many records it a short space of time will not help with public opinion, its almost I am afraid that breaking a World record is likely to be seen as a negative- which is mad. Anyone who breaks Flo-jo’s record will have a truly hard time. Athletes will have to start monitoring competitors and reporting any unusual development’s, that’s the only way. Athlete’s have to accept that if they are given any supplements by a coach, use their brain first, and send them to the drug lab to be tested- sad if a relationship comes down to that. But its the only way, and supplements must be treated with suspicion( they can of course be contaminated inadvertently). The kids need to learn the basics, watch your drinks, what you take, any doubt ask the Drug authorities. Never finish a bottle of water or whatever, so you have sample to give to the testers. Its going to be dull, but the rules are harsh, and we have in the UK an athlete banned who claims , it would appear with good grounds, her drink was spiked.

Crazy world, and its just a sport.

Good Luck for Next year-

Best wishes

Charles