What If Everybody was Cheating Except You?
Cheating In Swimming
The 200m breaststroke was one of the most exciting races this summer, not only because three athletes—Watan, Shin, and Stub Cook—have broken the world record but also because this might be the first time in history that someone could potentially win both the 200m butterfly and the 200m breaststroke. (Leon Marchand).
In 2021, several media have reported a doping scandal during a domestic competition in China. 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for the band hard medication trimetazidine. This affects everyone in the sports, the fans, the coaches, the organizations, and, first of all, the swimmers.
WADA has confirmed these reports, stating that swimmers were not punished at the time due to an explanation of environmental contamination. The US anti-doping agency’s CEO, Travis Digard, has criticized WADA and the Chinese anti-doping authorities for failing to enforce global rules and protect clean athletes.
Whether it was accidental contamination or intentional doping, the whole situation is messy and sad. One of the saddest parts of it is that this will move us farther away from the original Spirit of the Olympics: the big organizations, the media, and the swimming community. All seem to forget more and more why Baron Pierre founded the modern Olympics.
Facing Cheating
I have personally met many talented people in the sport and I know there will always be athletes doping but there will also always be clean athletes at the top and that is what makes this sport still worth watching and fighting for.
I asked the audience how would they feel if their competitors were doping and the doping organizations didn’t do anything about it. The majority of them said they would protest. I think that is the correct thing to do and I also like the second most popular answer use it as a motivation to swim faster.
The Best Example
The movie Gattaca is about a future society where success is determined by genetic superiority. Vincent Freeman, an “invalid” born without genetic enhancements, faces immense challenges. One of the most powerful moments in the film is when Vincent competes against his genetically superior brother, Anton, in a swimming race. Despite being told he would never be able to beat Anton due to his genetic limitations, Vincent competes multiple times and eventually wins one race.
When I used to swim competitively, this scene had a profound impact on my career. Although some of my competitors were taller or more naturally gifted, that wasn’t cheating; it was simply a new challenge for me. However, when rumors surfaced about one or two competitors possibly using performance-enhancing drugs, it was a much harder struggle to deal with.
In those moments, Vincent’s mindset in the movie became my greatest inspiration. His words, “You want to know how I did it, Anton? I never saved anything for the swim back” reminded me to give my absolute best effort, regardless of the circumstances or advantages others might have.
The Spirit of the Olympic Games
The modern Olympic Games were founded in 1894 by Baron Pierrede Coubertin, a French educator and historian. His vision was to promote international understanding, peace, and sportsmanship through friendly athletic competition.
Over 130 years later, it seems that we have strayed from these ideals. However, the spirit of de Coubertin lives on in many athletes. In his own words:
Athletes are encouraged to focus on what they can control, giving their best effort, showing dedication, and upholding sportsmanship. These values are the loudest statements an athlete can make.
By the way, don’t forget to share this knowledge to others..
Thank you!