Seoul Olympics 100m race was fixed, claims Ben Johnson
Tainted Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson has alleged that the 1988 Seoul Olympics 100m race was fixed. Johnson had broken the world record that year, but two days later saw his gold medal being snatched away after allegations of doping came to light. Now 30 years later, a story in a Canadian newspaper has stated that there were inconsistencies in Johnson's lab reports.
Johnson had tested positive for banned substance in 1988
The findings by the newspaper have, reportedly, prompted Johnson to level serious accusation against the administrators. Johnson has hinted that the 100m race was fixed in order to help USA win the gold medal. The tainted sprinter had tested positive for banned anabolic steroid stanozolol. He has been away from the race circuit since the past 30 years after being found guilty.
Johnson was involved in the dirtiest race in history
In that race, six out of the eight finalists including USA's track legend Carl Lewis were accused of doping. But only Johnson was found guilty and banned in what was touted as the dirtiest race in Olympic history.
Johnson's efforts was de-recognized
Canadian newspaper 'The Star' had revealed the inconsistencies in the findings. Johnson was present in India for the Ekamra International Sports Literature Festival and Hindustan Times quoted Johnson that the race in Seoul was premeditated. Johnson had clocked 9.79 seconds to win the race, but it was de-recognized. The medal went to second place holder Lewis (9.92 seconds).
Whatever happened in Seoul was premeditated: Johnson
"I know that whatever happened in Seoul was premeditated. It was a set-up, I know that from Day 1. And 30 years later, it has come out that actually it was fixed at Olympic Games because America wanted to win the gold medal," said Johnson.
There is politics in every sport, claims Johnson
Johnson has lived with the tag of a cheat since the last 30 years. "There is politics in every sport. It's dirty, it's not good and I don't like it...I have no regrets. I can't change whatever is in my destiny. If I do something great and people are jealous, I can't do anything about it.", said Johnson.
What has the newspaper claimed?
The newspaper had revealed that the laboratory report had hand-written changes which wasn't signed. The statements were also inconclusive regarding the type of steroid that was found in Johnson's system. Meanwhile, no Canadian official was allowed to see the lab report of the findings. Johnson was in no position to challenge IOC and had to bear the brunt.
