483 Turning Sour (1/2)
Williams, CEO of the American Track and Field Association, looked at the laptop in front of him with a complex expression.
The Track and Field Association chief operating officer, Frey, held a printed list of names and kept shaking his head. ”There are so many people involved, this can't be true. That investigative journalist Edward Snow must have made this up to attract people's attention.”
Williams looked at Frey but didn't speak.
Frey continued to argue, ”I've skimmed through it. More than half of the athletes who are participating in the Olympics in this year's national track and field team are on this list, which means that at least half of our athletes are using illegal drugs. How is that possible! This cannot be true!”
Williams sighed and leaned back in his chair. ”I didn't think it was possible when I saw the list. But when you think about it, this list may be true. We have a lot of track and field athletes who use illegal drugs. It's an open secret, and we both know it. And this time it involves a lot of biological laboratories, and the 'father of prohormone' Blecher. Think about what Blecher did in the past. That scum, he destroyed so many excellent athletes. What won't he do?”
”But there are too many people involved. Is it possible that it is exaggerated?” Frey's tone was a little softer.
”I don't know if it is exaggerated, but the molecular formula of the 27 steroid derivatives was published in the investigation report. I just consulted our experts. With the molecular formula of these chemicals, the Anti-Doping Committee will soon be able to develop a method of detection. When the truth comes out, the athletes who used the illegal drugs won't be able to pass the drug test,” Williams said with a worried look.
”But I still don't believe that so many athletes are using performance-enhancing drugs.” Frey shook his head.
Williams sighed deeply. ”There are many athletes on this list, including athletes who use 'legitimate medication.' The journalist's report pointed out that many doctors deliberately gave fake prescriptions to athletes. They can use the medicine reasonably. You and I know about this, and the IOC also knows this. It is just that we pretend we don't see it. No one wants to change the status quo. But now, the investigative journalist has exposed all of this. I think the FBI and the Physician Association will intervene. Prescribing fake prescriptions is illegal. This kind of thing can't be concealed if it is checked.”
”The coaches are also mentioned on the list. All the coaches on our national team are listed.” Frey pointed to the list. In the coach's column, the first name listed was Sebastian's. ”But he is the head coach of the US team! ”
”So if this list is true, we will suffer a fatal blow! From the head coach to the ordinary athletes. At least half of our athletes will be unable to participate in this Olympic Games because of the use of illegal drugs. All our coaches will also be unable to participate in this Olympic Games because of their involvement! Right now, I really hope that this list is fake,” Williams said. It looked like he had aged ten years.
”What should we do?” Frey asked.
”Let's wait and see. After all, we can't be sure of the authenticity of this investigation yet,” Williams said.
In Williams' heart, he still hoped that it wasn't true, but he also knew that an experienced investigative journalist like Edward Snow wouldn't choose to fight a battle he couldn't win. Since he decided to leak the story, it was almost certain that the story was true.
...
Montreal, Canada. The headquarters of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Lewis, the chairman of the Anti-Doping Agency, had just convened a meeting with all the cadres.
”The breaking news in America, I'm sure all of you have seen it, right? If the content of the investigative report is true, this will be the biggest scandal in the history of sports. What are your opinions on this matter?” Lewis asked.
”I think the report is forged. It involves so many athletes, coaches, and numerous biological laboratories. It's not possible if you think about it,” someone said.
”I don't think so. I think this report is the real deal. Athletes have been using illegal drugs for decades. Athletes around the world are using drugs every year, and every time we test the B samples that we have stored, we always discover that someone was using illegal drugs. Many of them were Olympic champions,” another person immediately raised a different opinion.
Someone nearby immediately added, ”And a large number of names on that list are people who are 'legitimate drug users.' They obtained drugs legally through fake prescriptions issued by their doctors. What's more, we of the Anti-Doping Committee are the ones who gave approval. In this regard, we also have to bear responsibility.”