Both athletics and cycling have been under the spotlight for doping related stories recently. In the latter Chris Froome has had little time to celebrate his success at the Tour DE France before the doping questions/allegations have been raised http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/23316712
Whilst in the former it has transpired that a large per centage of the fastest sprinters of all time have been caught using banned substances. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/athletics/23318701
The truth is that both sports are littered with a sad history of cheats who have debased the value of their performances and the sports themselves. It leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth and sadly leads to the sort of questions Froome has faced. As he admitted himself he's not surprised by them. How can he be? Lance Armstrong - the standard bearer for front line cycling cheating recently said he couldn't have won the race without drugs.
One wants to believe. One wants to see great sprinters, athletes, cyclists and think simply 'wow', what great performers. the trouble is now the seeds of doubt will remain for many a long year. If one sees a sub 10 second runner the first thought is always 'I wonder'...; If one sees an exceptional breakaway of mountain stage cycling lead to a win one always thinks - 'but what are you on?'
It isn't fair on the athletes if they are performing clean but unfortunately it is the nature of the beast. Thanks to all the cheats of the past, all the great performances of now and the future will be automatically questioned.
We don't want to. We want to enjoy the spectacle. I'm just not sure we ever can again without the inevitable questions buzzing around inside us.
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