Responses to My Post

Thanks for all the responses. For those of you who don't read my blog via Facebook, I had some really nice comments from other racers in my community on my Facebook feed. Here's a few of them -- thanks for commenting guys (and girls).

Comment 1:

Yeah, you can't say that simply because he chose a drug that doesn't actually do anything makes it not as bad an offense. Tyler Hamilton received a life ban for using the same drug earlier in the year, and it's clear both knew it was illegal.

I don't like the pattern that's emerged when someone "apologizes" after getting caught, claiming up and down it was his first and only time and how sorry he is. I'm not saying Kenny ever did anything else, but in general, it seems a little overly coincidental that EVERYONE caught for doping was caught on his first and only attempt.

There's a big difference between being sorry for getting caught and being sorry simply for having acted. I see no reason to pat him on the back for "coming forward" in this way. Had he NOT been caught, but voluntarily came forward, and voluntarily stopped racing for some time, that would be a much different story.

11th hour repentance is not the same as having led a pious life even if the outcome looks the same on paper.

I'm sorry for him as an individual, but not at all as a competitor. At the most basic level racing is a huge privilege, and at another it's a source of income. What he did cuts to the core of both those systems.

Comment 2:

Kenny cheated. It was intentional, it was premeditated and the worst offense one can make in sport.

As an athlete and competitor i am offended that people would use the words "honorable" or "fair" when mentioning him. He lied and he cheated.

An apology AFTER one is caught doesn't make it any less offensive and can not give the real athletes he cheated the experience of victory that they deserve. Nor does it undo the damage to the reputation of a sport already severely tarnished.

I am outraged at his behavior and equally outraged that anyone (especially athletes or people involved in sport) would show public support of him. There are local athletes that race fair, with commitment and dedication who deserve that attention.

Comment 3:

I just think it is sad that he would feel the need to dope for masters track nats. In the grand scheme of life, it's really not that big of a deal. I guess people sometimes lose sight of the big picture... Sets a bad example that sport is only about winning. It would have been much more honorable if he went to track nats and did poorly. Isn't coaching rule #1 to focus on effort, not results? Or focus on what you experience, not so much what you accomplish?

Comment 4:

You guys are inspiring. There may be hope for the future of athletics after all.