Drugs in the Olympics: Misguided Views?

Stephany Lee is an American wrestler who was suspended for a year and was forced to miss this year’s Olympics because she tested positive for marijuana. Depending on her practice schedule, she says she uses 2-3 times per week, to help stave off insomnia, stress and irritability.

Judoka Nicholas Delpopolo was recently thrown out of the Olympics because he also tested positive for marijuana. He said he accidentally ate baked foods made with pot.

Patrick Sandusky, U.S. Olympic Committee spokesman: “The USOC fully supports the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) code… Any positive test, for any banned substance, comes with the appropriate consequences, and we absolutely support the disqualification. We look forward to witnessing the continued success of our athletes and commend their dedication to clean sport.”

The Michael Phelps model

According to USA Today, “Delpopolo is 23, the same age Michael Phelps was when the swimmer was photographed inhaling from a marijuana pipe in 2009. Phelps, who never failed a drug test, apologized, received a three-month suspension from USA Swimming and is celebrated as the most decorated Olympian in history.”

In an interview with USA Today, Stephany Lee discussed her disappointment in not being able to compete in the Olympics, and that the current views on marijuana use among athletes is misguided. She also said at least “a good 50 Olympic athletes” are regular marijuana users before they stop in time for testing.

Other quotes from Lee:

“…you’re still going to be able to achieve your dreams regardless. Look at him [Phelps]. He’s awesome. He’s the best athlete ever in the Olympics. It’s a double standard. If you already make a name for yourself, then what happens afterward really doesn’t matter…”“We party just as hard as we train, especially when it’s over. People are going to do what they are going to do regardless. Just because there is a test on it doesn’t mean people are going to stop it. It just means they will change how they are using it and their consumption of it…”

Marijuana is becoming more popular among college athletes.

In 2009, the NCAA’s anonymous survey of more than 20,000 athletes found that 22.6% admitted to using marijuana in the previous year.In 2005, the previous time the survey was conducted, 21.2% of college athletes admitted to use in the prior year.In women’s sports, field hockey saw 35.7% of those surveyed admitting to smoking marijuana. And across all levels, the high-profile sports of men’s basketball and football did not see the highest admitted use.Among men’s sports, lacrosse led the way with 48.5% of surveyed players admitting to using.

So, if athletes aren’t typically tested for alcohol consumption, and drinking is essentially allowed in sports — and marijuana is typically not a performance-enhancing drug, though athletes are more and more turning to the drug — do you agree with Lee? Should athletes who use marijuana be suspended, regardless of their athletic abilities? Weigh in!