INTRODUCTION

DRUGS IN SPORTS
THE EFFECT OF IMPROVEMENTS IN DRUG TESTING ON TRACK AND FIELD
ALTHLETES IN JAMAICA



In August 2013 all Jamaicans turned to the staging of the World Athletic
Championship. Jamaican pride and celebration extended throughout towns and
cities as athletes such as Shelly- Ann Fraser- Price and Usain Bolt carried home Gold.
Just before this staging, however, Jamaicans had also shown outrage and
disappointment in the positive drug tests of their own highly decorated athletes;
nationally and internationally. Three athletes still in the media for positive drug
tests were a shocking start to these games but none- the- less the eligible athletes
carried on the baton.

Athletes such as Veronica Campbell-Brown, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson
provided international critics, with a bias, ground for judgment of Jamaican track
and field success. Disappointment spread throughout the Jamaican population and
also through me. This is the reason for choosing this topic in particular for my
portfolio. Many questions are now raised as to the performance of Jamaican
athletes. Many critics would like to know whether this success is due to natural
ability, poor testing facilities in Jamaica or the work of some master scientist who is
proficient in the art of camouflage.

It is the second jump at 2.10m and the green and black of my school was waving
directly across from the high jump apron, which I was now at. The competition had
been easy up to this point and would only get harder. The London College student,
Michael, was in his purple and white bodysuit and had just cleared the height. The
pressure was now on me. This pressure now only added to my guilt especially since
I was now slated to make another jump. I had to focus as I ran up to the bar and,
Yes!, I made the jump. As the bar rose to the next height so did my anxiety. I looked
at the other athletes so proudly displaying their school colours and more than likely
not carrying the burden that I am. The coach assured me nothing would happen;
nothing was wrong. This would ensure my future he said but I dont know if my
heart will survive that long.
The athletes dropped out one by one but luckily I still remained. The cheers were
getting louder from the stands where the green and black flags were now caressing
the air above the National Stadium. The green and black sea of people in the stands
was now echoing TORONTO COLLEGE!. TORONTO! pierced my mind and I knew
I had to win. If they ever found out I would be a pariah in the school and probably
banned from athletics forever. I could not continue to think this because I am left in
the competition with the London College athletes.
2.14m, 2.16m, and 2.19m and Michael and I were the only ones left in the
competition. I should not be nervous since I have the advantage but I could not help
but think that it was an unfair one. I was scheduled to jump again. I did not clear it
and my heart becomes my enemy. I have two more tries but I am more nervous now
than ever. This was not helped because Michael had cleared it in the one jump. It
would be hilarious if I found out Michael and I was in the same boat because he was
doing unusually well.
Ironically Coach Blue signaled to me at that moment. A wah do yuh bwoi, dont
waste mi efforts enuhFOCUS man!. All I could say is Ye man, Coach although
what I really needed was reassurance; some form of justification. The screams of the
purple and white supporters were deafening since they were closer to area of the
high jump. Not only once did I hear them chanting DROP!, DROP!, DROP!, while I
was jumping. They dont really matter though because they would hate me either
way. It was my supporters that I couldnt bear to disappoint. It was my supporters
who were sincerely cheering me on.
My Coach told me to relax and make sure I dont Mash up di school chance.. and
that is what I am going to do. I plugged in my headphones and began listening to
some Sizzla. They couldnt Keep a good man down and that is what I am. I went
into the attempt at the height with this in mind. I was fully charged. When I took off
the headphones the roars swam through my ears. I was ready. Seas of different
colours and different pitches of vuvuzellas were sounding throughout the stadium.
This is what I am here for and I am going to win. I am going to win for my family, my
coach, my school and myself!
My new focus was novelty and I thought no more of my deviance. I was there to win
this championship. I got ready for the next jump and did not look at Michael who
was warming up. I had seen him earlier talking to his coach and for a second I could
swear they were staring at me. Did they know? I thought. Of course not they could
not know.
I went in for the jump and the crowd began clapping at a slow pace. As I approached
the bar the clapping increased in tempo; I was feeling the energy of the crowd and
my surroundings. AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!.... , echoed around the stadium. I had made
the jump! I could not contain myself. Everything was working out perfectly!
The purple and whites of London College were not looking as esthetic. They had a
controlled focus on their faces but I was beaming with too much energy to care. He
then went to make the jump. His supporters mimicked the clapping rhythm that I
had just a second ago received. He ran up to the bar and went into the air for the
jump. He dropped the bar! I WON! I WON! I was running all over the place; jumping
and screaming. I got hugs and congratulations from all angles but I couldnt tell
from whom. All I remember hearing was someone telling me I made it pass the
CARIFTA trials and I was so happy; for a moment. At this point I realized I wasnt
caught in Jamaica, but CARIFTA might not be s easy to fool- I should not have taken
the performance enhancing drugs.