Nike Oregon Project

[The Hitch]

But UK Anti-Doping’s former chief executive Andy Parkinson said that Farah and any other athlete in the group had a “responsibility to ask themselves, ‘do I feel comfortable in this environment and am I going to be able to continue to compete clean in this environment?’”

Hilarious. Turns out the coach under which farah had his miraculous transformation is a doping enabler, and the worst case scenario they can think of is - can he continue to be clean. Well if he can destroy the dopers clean for 3 years now anyway, then drugs don't really work to begin with so it's a stupid question to ask.

 

[More Strides than Rides]

Here's an interview with the investigating reporter, David Epstein:

http://running.competitor.com/2015/06/features/qa-with-david-epstein-on-nike-oregon-project-allegations_129523?utm_medium=whats-hot

One of the most interesting things to me as I was reading everything today is that there aren’t any direct implications against Mo Farah. Why do you think that is?

You know, in the reporting I did, nothing came up about him. That’s the main reason. Obviously I was collaborating with the BBC and he’s a huge figure over there but nothing reportable came up on him. It’s as simple as that. If it had, and I could have nailed it down, I would have reported it.

Based on your reporting and your findings, in your opinion, how bad to you think the doping problem in track & field really is?

I’m glad you asked that. My first opinion is that the number of public doping issues or scandals or positive tests or whatever that a sport has, the highest correlate of that is how hard people are trying to get them, to expose them or to test them—not how many athletes are using.

To be honest, in his articles and especially his book, The Sports Gene, I thought he underestimated the impact of doping. I still think he does, but I at least recognize his keen awareness for specific issues, even if he downplays the overall culture.

Related to that, what is your take on USADA and WADA and the effectiveness of their testing policies? And how good of a job are they doing at policing the doping problem in track & field?

The first thing I’d say is the public reputation of drug testing in sports far exceeds its actual capabilities. In fact, there are huge buffers built into drug testing. Like, we trade a ton of false negatives for not getting false positives in drug testing in sports. You can be pretty abnormal and still pass a test even if it looks like you probably did something, and so there are still a lot of ways to get through tests.

n your reporting on this story, how difficult was it to get information out of Alberto, Galen, Mo and others involved in these allegations?

Per what the BBC called the “right-to-reply policy” they have very, very strict rules—there are actually stiffer laws regulating journalism in the U.K. than there are here—and so weeks ahead we sent letters with dozens of questions to Alberto Salazar, Galen Rupp, we sent a couple to Mo Farah, we sent a couple to Alex Salazar, first inviting them to come on the film. They sent some written responses, we followed up on a couple things, saying we really want to make sure you understood this one point and get follow-ups. It wasn’t that hard. It took a couple weeks to get them, and we obviously would have liked to have them in the film more as opposed to just written responses, but otherwise it wasn’t so bad. It just took a while and obviously wasn’t a real happy thing for any of us to have to be doing, I don’t think. They responded when we followed up, but they didn’t respond to every question, like they didn’t respond to the pills taped into the book or about the Cytomel or about the IV in Daegu, so we didn’t get responses to certain things, but we got thorough responses to other things like the Mayo Clinic testing—they gave a very thorough response to that—and obviously a response to the document that said testosterone medication. So there was nothing adversarial or anything.

 

[SeriousSam]

Like, we trade a ton of false negatives for not getting false positives in drug testing in sport

Based on what I've seen, the public, and even some clinic posters, just cannot understand that this trade-off always exists with binary decision procedures under uncertainty. Not getting this is the main culprit of confused views about what is and isn't evidence and doping.

 

[SeriousSam]

Comedy gold: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/04/mo-farah-five-questions-alberto-salazar-doping

If you guessed that none of the 5 uncomfortable questions even so much as hints that Farah not being clean is no longer up there with evolution and general relativity as amongst the most believable claims there are, you've guessed right. Item 4 in particular is ridiculous as well.

 

[Merckx index]

For those just getting into this, here's a long discussion of some of the evidence against Salazar and his proteges.

In his email, Salazar says Rupp had an asthma flare up and there was not enough time to get a therapeutic use exemption, or TUE. The testing was to ensure the medication was completely out of his system. In a separate email, Rupp says if he has "used a medicine that is permitted out-of-competition but is only permitted in competition with a TUE, then I will not compete in a race unless I have received a TUE or I am certain the substance is no longer in me."

[Former Assistant Coach Steve] Magness then flew to Dusseldorf to meet Rupp prior to the race. Soon after he arrived, Rupp told him he wasn't feeling well. Magness called Salazar, who he says told him to expect a package. Two days later, a box arrived at his hotel room. Inside it he found a paperback thriller. Confused, he flipped it open. A section of the pages had been hollowed out to form a compartment into which two pills were taped. "At that point," Magness says, "my mind was like, this is stuff you see in movies, this is extremely strange." He handed the pills to Rupp, who he says promptly swallowed them and laughed off the clandestine packaging as typical Salazar antics. Magness, who had been on the job less than two months, says he never asked what the pills were. At the end of the week, Rupp placed fourth in the 5K in Germany. Neither Salazar nor Rupp responded to questions about the hollowed-out book containing pills.

On a document recording Rupp's blood tests [when he was in high school], Steve Magness was stunned to see: "presently on prednisone and testosterone medication." Magness asked Salazar about it but was unsatisfied with the explanation.

Some of this stuff could go into that thread we had on the most creative excuses for testing positive:

Magness says Salazar immediately impugned the sanity of longtime Nike lab physiologist, Loren Myhre, and suggested that Myhre's battle with ALS must have diminished his faculties. (Myhre passed away in 2012, but the record Magness asked about was from 2002, a year when Myhre was given an award by Nike for his work, according to an obituary.) Salazar said Myhre was "crazy and he must be mixing it up with something else," Magness says.

Magness says he shared an office cubicle at Nike with Salazar's son, Alex, who helped work out the team budget. Alex was occasionally used as a guinea pig to test supplements and then get evaluated in the lab. In one instance, Magness says Alex told him that he was testing testosterone gel: rubbing some on, getting tested in the lab, rubbing some more on, getting tested in the lab. Magness and another Oregon Project athlete separately say the reason Salazar gave for the testing was to determine how much of the gel it would take to trigger a positive test in case a rival attempted to sabotage an Oregon Project athlete by furtively rubbing it on one of them at a race. "It seemed ludicrous," Magness says. He believes "it was them trying to figure out how to cheat the tests...So it's how much can we take without triggering a positive."

In emails, both Salazar and Rupp say that Rupp has never taken testosterone or any testosterone medication. Salazar says the notation was incorrect and actually referred to a nutritional supplement called Testoboost that Rupp was taking "in an effort to counterbalance the negative effects of prednisone." Testoboost, he says, is a "legal supplement" that Rupp has disclosed to USADA whenever applicable.

https://www.propublica.org/article/former-team-members-accuse-coach-alberto-salazar-of-breaking-drug-rules

 

[noddy69]

Re:

Nike funds doping. In other news, water is wet and the sky is blue.

The Sky isn't blue...just saying .

 

[SeriousSam]

black, with blue stripes

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Phil Knight

That's the only two words you need to say, hon, the dude has so much money (and is so invested in track), he can make any of this trouble just "go away".

 

[Benotti69]

Salazar worked with Armstrong for a marathon. Now if that doesn't tell us all we need to know why Mo Farah works with Salazar........

 

[Bronstein]

'Alberto Salazar: Ex-Oregon Project runner backs BBC's doping claims'

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/athletics/33125707

 

[Catwhoorg]

http://www.propublica.org/article/elite-runner-had-qualms-alberto-salazar-asthma-drug-performance

:Laurne Fleshman interview on Salazar.

Again focused on the issue of Asthma and Thyroid medication.

 

[TubularBills]

Re:

Salazar worked with Armstrong for a marathon. Now if that doesn't tell us all we need to know why Mo Farah works with Salazar........

WOW! This is a revelation (to me...); but it makes so much sense as Armstrong transitioned to Tri.

Of course Nike was involved.

Liestrong's calendar included the Nice Marathon/Tri? as the final qualifier for the Ironman before his Tri ban?

B69 do you have a link/source for the Armstrong/Salazar connection?

Thx!

 

[neineinei]

2006New York Marathon, Salazar to the left.
http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/03/news/lance-armstrong-turns-to-legendary-running-coach-for-ironman-advice_24430
http://running.competitor.com/2013/01/news/magness-my-interactions-with-lance-armstrong_64596

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Maybe it is because I'm a former runner at a certain level,,, I thought it was common knowledge among distance athletes Salazars past. He took Prozac to make is comeback into the win at Comrades Marathon South Africa. I think it was naïve to believe he had these guys performing Clean at the Olympics at that level clean.

 

[RobbieCanuck]

Re:

http://www.propublica.org/article/elite-runner-had-qualms-alberto-salazar-asthma-drug-performance

:Laurne Fleshman interview on Salazar.

Again focused on the issue of Asthma and Thyroid medication.

I have been reading Dic! Pound's book called Inside Dope. It continues to be a relevant book because things are not changing for the better in the doping world. Many of Pound's fears and predictions about the proliferation of PEDs in 2006 at the time of print, continue to be the same-old, same-old. His foresight into Armstrong's BS is fascinating.

When discussing the role of pernicious doctors, who he calls the "Hypocrites of the Hippocratic Oath" he sarcastically says,

"I have often commented in public about the astonishing percentage of brave and dedicated athletes in international sport who seem to have arrived at the pinnacle of performance despite a medically acknowledged condition of asthma!"

It is clear the percentage of TUEs for conditions of asthma appear to far outstrip the incidence of asthma in the general public, exercise induced or not. Pound says in his book,

"Issuing questionable TUEs has become so commonplace that we (WADA) have had to establish an international TUE committee to review all the TUEs in order to determine which are justified and which are not. I think we should publish a list of those that are rejected, revealing the names of the athletes, the names of the physicians who issued them and why we (WADA) rejected them."

I am not sure if WADA does this or not or whether privacy considerations still govern?

 

[neineinei]

No way that is happening with WADA giving out names.

They could give out better statistics on it though.

Two commonly used asthma medications, Salbutamol and Budesonide/formoterol doesn't require a TUE. But there is maximum level, over that and it is a doping rule violation, which Ulissi learned last year. Is it possible to get TUE's for higher dosages for Salbutamol and Budesonide/formoterol? What medications for asthma are they getting TUE's for?

 

[BYOP88]

Re: Re:

http://www.propublica.org/article/elite-runner-had-qualms-alberto-salazar-asthma-drug-performance

:Laurne Fleshman interview on Salazar.

Again focused on the issue of Asthma and Thyroid medication.

I have been reading Dic! Pound's book called Inside Dope. It continues to be a relevant book because things are not changing for the better in the doping world. Many of Pound's fears and predictions about the proliferation of PEDs in 2006 at the time of print, continue to be the same-old, same-old. His foresight into Armstrong's BS is fascinating.

When discussing the role of pernicious doctors, who he calls the "Hypocrites of the Hippocratic Oath" he sarcastically says,

"I have often commented in public about the astonishing percentage of brave and dedicated athletes in international sport who seem to have arrived at the pinnacle of performance despite a medically acknowledged condition of asthma!"

It is clear the percentage of TUEs for conditions of asthma appear to far outstrip the incidence of asthma in the general public, exercise induced or not. Pound says in his book,

"Issuing questionable TUEs has become so commonplace that we (WADA) have had to establish an international TUE committee to review all the TUEs in order to determine which are justified and which are not. I think we should publish a list of those that are rejected, revealing the names of the athletes, the names of the physicians who issued them and why we (WADA) rejected them."

I am not sure if WADA does this or not or whether privacy considerations still govern?

Maybe if exercise causes an asthma attack, it's time to do something less strenuous for your exercise.

 

[The Carrot]

Re: Re:

http://www.propublica.org/article/elite-runner-had-qualms-alberto-salazar-asthma-drug-performance

:Laurne Fleshman interview on Salazar.

Again focused on the issue of Asthma and Thyroid medication.

I have been reading Dic! Pound's book called Inside Dope. It continues to be a relevant book because things are not changing for the better in the doping world. Many of Pound's fears and predictions about the proliferation of PEDs in 2006 at the time of print, continue to be the same-old, same-old. His foresight into Armstrong's BS is fascinating.

When discussing the role of pernicious doctors, who he calls the "Hypocrites of the Hippocratic Oath" he sarcastically says,

"I have often commented in public about the astonishing percentage of brave and dedicated athletes in international sport who seem to have arrived at the pinnacle of performance despite a medically acknowledged condition of asthma!"

It is clear the percentage of TUEs for conditions of asthma appear to far outstrip the incidence of asthma in the general public, exercise induced or not. Pound says in his book,

"Issuing questionable TUEs has become so commonplace that we (WADA) have had to establish an international TUE committee to review all the TUEs in order to determine which are justified and which are not. I think we should publish a list of those that are rejected, revealing the names of the athletes, the names of the physicians who issued them and why we (WADA) rejected them."

I am not sure if WADA does this or not or whether privacy considerations still govern?

Maybe if exercise causes an asthma attack, it's time to do something less strenuous for your exercise.

Now here's a statement: 'Asthma made me a winner'!

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/381793/Laura-Trott-Asthma-made-me-a-winner

 

[veganrob]

If she cut all the milk out of her diet she might clear up alot of her issues. Even Cav cuts all dairy products during racing season.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Re:

If she cut all the milk out of her diet she might clear up alot of her issues. Even Cav cuts all dairy products during racing season.

I don't drink milk or consume any dairy products. But what exactly are you pointing towards?

I'm thinking I need to get on some roids via an inhaler or whatever these guys are using. I feel like competing again on the masters level.

 

[BullsFan22]

Re: Re:

http://www.propublica.org/article/elite-runner-had-qualms-alberto-salazar-asthma-drug-performance

:Laurne Fleshman interview on Salazar.

Again focused on the issue of Asthma and Thyroid medication.

I have been reading Dic! Pound's book called Inside Dope. It continues to be a relevant book because things are not changing for the better in the doping world. Many of Pound's fears and predictions about the proliferation of PEDs in 2006 at the time of print, continue to be the same-old, same-old. His foresight into Armstrong's BS is fascinating.

When discussing the role of pernicious doctors, who he calls the "Hypocrites of the Hippocratic Oath" he sarcastically says,

"I have often commented in public about the astonishing percentage of brave and dedicated athletes in international sport who seem to have arrived at the pinnacle of performance despite a medically acknowledged condition of asthma!"

It is clear the percentage of TUEs for conditions of asthma appear to far outstrip the incidence of asthma in the general public, exercise induced or not. Pound says in his book,

"Issuing questionable TUEs has become so commonplace that we (WADA) have had to establish an international TUE committee to review all the TUEs in order to determine which are justified and which are not. I think we should publish a list of those that are rejected, revealing the names of the athletes, the names of the physicians who issued them and why we (WADA) rejected them."

I am not sure if WADA does this or not or whether privacy considerations still govern?

Maybe if exercise causes an asthma attack, it's time to do something less strenuous for your exercise.

Now here's a statement: 'Asthma made me a winner'!

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/381793/Laura-Trott-Asthma-made-me-a-winner

Wow. This could of read like a Marit Bjoergen article. For anyone not knowing who she is:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.girlswithmuscle.com/images/full/252531846.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.girlswithmuscle.com/354439/Marit-Bjoergen&h=595&w=500&tbnid=43Ge6Icez9E0VM:&zoom=1&tbnh=186&tbnw=156&usg=__5BCV2xtPjgfaaWy9PTpDeDJBrwQ=&docid=iI2iLVSobooRgM&itg=1&client=safari

 

[blackcat]

Re:

No way that is happening with WADA giving out names.

They could give out better statistics on it though.

Two commonly used asthma medications, Salbutamol and Budesonide/formoterol doesn't require a TUE. But there is maximum level, over that and it is a doping rule violation, which Ulissi learned last year. Is it possible to get TUE's for higher dosages for Salbutamol and Budesonide/formoterol? What medications for asthma are they getting TUE's for?

petacchi was done for this

 

[The Carrot]

Here's some people 'in the know', casting aspersions on Rupp, Mo's training partner from Early 2014.

http://twitchy.com/2014/01/28/distance-running-legend-craig-virgin-what-is-galen-rupp-taking-that-is-giving-him-such-amazing-powers/

 

[Catwhoorg]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-33287194

BBC stands by its programme and responds the Salazars 'denial' lettter.


You know that has got to have been prescreened by the legal dept. They are not letting go of this one.

Be interesting to see what Kara brings up next week.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

My town is currently hosting the USATF National Outdoor Championships, I read the local newspaper version of this article about Rupp and Salazar earlier this morning. Naturally they are denying everything, I wouldn't expect anything less. (Dude who wrote this article is also in full denial mode, the tone of his writing made me chuckle at his naivete.)

http://registerguard.com/rg/sports/33231663-81/galen-rupp-gets-a-statement-victory-in-mens-10000-meters-at-usa-track--field-championships.html.csp


This second article was also in the local paper today (also written by a local reporter), I actually like it because it's a lot more balanced. http://registerguard.com/rg/sports/33231693-81/nop-controversy-hanging-overhead-for-everyone-to-see.html.csp

On a sidenote - I won't be attending any of the events... not only is it very hot (97F), but I also don't feel like supporting any of these dopers. Those days of my naivete are long, long gone.