Johnson recalls the 'dirtiest race in history'

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Shanghai Daily, September 24, 2013
Adjust font size:

Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson returned yesterday to Seoul’s Olympic Stadium — 25 years to the day after the steroid-assisted 100m final victory that destroyed his career.

The runner revisited the site of his stunning triumph and downfall to bring an anti-doping message for a sport still struggling to rid itself of banned substance use.

“It feels good to be back,” Johnson said, thinking back to September 24, 1988, when he lined up for the final that would become known as the “dirtiest race in history.”

Johnson destroyed a field that included his hated rival Carl Lewis in a world record time of 9.79 seconds.

Three days later he was stripped of his medal and his time after it was announced he had tested positive for stanozolol, a banned steroid.

Six of the eight finalists would eventually be implicated in doping scandals, including Lewis.

“I was nailed on a cross, and 25 years later I’m still being punished,” he said. “I know what I did was wrong. Rules are rules. But the rules should be the same for all. But politics always plays in sports,” he said.

Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter