New Delhi: Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, a double Olympic bronze medallist, says it is best for Indian athletes to get their blood tested every month by a certified doctor and keep the record to prove their innocence if they have taken any banned substance unknowingly.
Johnson, who was stripped of his 100 meters gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics for testing positive, offered to help out the dope-tainted Indian athletes and he is even willing to train the country’s track stars.
He asked the eight suspended Indian athletes to learn from his life as it is a perfect example for them.
Johnson, who tested positive for Stanozolol in Seoul, said Indian athletes should get their blood tested every month to have a clear idea of the substances in their blood. “It is very important for all athletes to get their blood tested every month by a certified doctor and keep a record of it. So, if they take any substance unknowingly then they can show the records to prove their innocence,” Johnson said.
Johnson is on a visit to Goa with his two Indian-origin students who appeared for trials Saturday with I-League champions football club Salgaocars.
“I would like to coach Indian athletes and make them aware of the harmful effects of doping. I have gone through this and I can tell you it is a trap and very difficult to get out of it,” Johnson said.
“My life stands as an example for those athletes who have failed dope test.”
Johnson’s 1987 world record was rescinded by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) after he admitted having used steroids during the Rome World Championships.
Johnson, who is a Jamaican by birth, said he was too young to know about drugs and was subjected to systematic doping.
“Role of a coach is important because he acts as the guide for the athletes, who come from poor back ground. It is for the national federations to educate the players and the coaches regularly,” he said.
He feels it would be tough for the eight top Indian athletes to make a comeback to the international circuit, though it is not impossible.
Johnson’s, rival American Carl Lewis, however, is the only sprinter to defend his 100 metres gold by default. Lewis won the gold in 1988 Olympics after Johnson flunked the dope test. (IANS)