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Journalism of Courage
The iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium witnessed a legendary guest this Friday when 64-year-old Carl Lewis, one of the greatest track and field athletes, strode into the complex as the upcoming Delhi Half Marathon’s brand ambassador.
At his candid best when interacting with the media, he had a subtle yet clear response when his views were sought on Olympians like Fred Kerley joining the Enhanced Games, an event wherein athletes can use performance enhancing drugs. In short, they can dope.
“When people ask me about ‘Enhanced Games’, I always tell them that it is a cultural issue rather than a sports issue. The culture which is prevailing now allows fake things to be important,” said Lewis in a reporters roundtable. “When you allow someone on a TV show to become president one day because you think he is good, it depicts a deep-rooted cultural issue.”
World Athletics has changed over the years and is never short of superstars that are adored around the globe but Lewis believes that it is important to keep your sport at the core. “In my time you know, I was all over the place. I wanted to entertain people on the track but it was not my priority. It never affected my game,” said Lewis, who won nine Olympic and eight World Championships gold medals. “These days, the kids think that showmanship is first thing and the performance on the track comes second.”
When asked what he would advise to the kids, Lewis said, “ There are two things I always say. One, if life was easy, everybody would be good at it and two. I used to miss parties but now I give them. One has to sacrifice a lot to be who you want to be. Get away from the instant prize for the ultimate goal.”
Lewis also called out the misinformation that has spread on social media. “When I look on my Instagram every single day, I see 10 or 15 people promoting running and 95% of them are completely wrong,” he said. “If you are the best in sports, you don’t advertise. Other people advertise for you.”
Lewis was part of the infamous 1988 Seoul Olympics 100m final also known as the ‘dirtiest race’. His duel with the tainted Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson is part of athletics folklore.
Talking about the need for relentless testing for the athletes who cheat, Lewis said, “The number of testing has gone up and it is getting better in terms of technology. I think relentless testing is the only way to control doping. A lot of people are doing the right thing but there should be a fear of forever.”
“I think the athletes should be tested every time. The authorities should go after the suspended athletes financially. It might end the career of the athletes but that’s on them,” he explained.
