I think one epic overlooked part of his greatness was how he was leading the 1976 Olympic Marathon (12 hours after the 5000 m final) at about mile 20 but eventually collapsed to 5th place. Great grit!
There isn't an obligation in sports to go above and beyond the rules.
While that is true the reason blood doping was banned is because it was shown to give a substantial and unfair advantage. So if Viren blood-doped he clearly had an unfair advantage over most of his competitors. That tarnishes his achievements.
They aren't allegations. It wasn't illegal then and it was discussed openly, there is zero question that he used blood doping.
If it was legal why didn't everyone do it? Just curious, actually.
Because, like many forms of doping, it wasn't widely known and used at that time. But it became so. Since then, doping to enhance stamina - as blood doping does - has become a norm in the sport amongst distance runners.
Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I was under the impression that Viren over the years has consistently denied using blood doping.
If that is indeed the case, then would they not be allegations?
You are not mistaken. Viren’s alleged blood doping remains just that—alleged. He has consistently denied the claims and there is no more proof that he did this than there is proof of PED use by Paula Radcliffe or anyone on the Fancy Bears list.
That isn't quite true. Doping in distance running was still in its infancy in the early 70's and a relative rarity. But it was becoming known that blood doping had then entered the sport and was especially being used in the winter sports by the Nordic countries. The Finns were known to be experimenting with it, and like most forms of doping it advertised its use through unusual performances - so the rumours about Viren and other Finns grew. Many athletes in that era suspected Viren was blood doping and it became a subject of open conversation in the sports media by the time of the Montreal Olympics. Hence we heard about "reindeer milk", which sounds an awful lot like Ma's "caterpillar juice".
I think one epic overlooked part of his greatness was how he was leading the 1976 Olympic Marathon (12 hours after the 5000 m final) at about mile 20 but eventually collapsed to 5th place. Great grit!
In those days both 5 and 10k had qualifying heats.
You are not mistaken. Viren’s alleged blood doping remains just that—alleged. He has consistently denied the claims and there is no more proof that he did this than there is proof of PED use by Paula Radcliffe or anyone on the Fancy Bears list.
That isn't quite true. Doping in distance running was still in its infancy in the early 70's and a relative rarity. But it was becoming known that blood doping had then entered the sport and was especially being used in the winter sports by the Nordic countries. The Finns were known to be experimenting with it, and like most forms of doping it advertised its use through unusual performances - so the rumours about Viren and other Finns grew. Many athletes in that era suspected Viren was blood doping and it became a subject of open conversation in the sports media by the time of the Montreal Olympics. Hence we heard about "reindeer milk", which sounds an awful lot like Ma's "caterpillar juice".
A European ? And white? Is it possible, on your old days you start to realice that doping is everywhere? I'm really proud of you. Now do the last step, and accept that even your fellow countrymen from your beloved island are doing it. And ever have. In all events.
The "blood doping" was a red herring. His steroid use is the primary issue. The pattern of his success and lack thereof have led many who competed against him to be quite certain he took steroids.
That isn't quite true. Doping in distance running was still in its infancy in the early 70's and a relative rarity. But it was becoming known that blood doping had then entered the sport and was especially being used in the winter sports by the Nordic countries. The Finns were known to be experimenting with it, and like most forms of doping it advertised its use through unusual performances - so the rumours about Viren and other Finns grew. Many athletes in that era suspected Viren was blood doping and it became a subject of open conversation in the sports media by the time of the Montreal Olympics. Hence we heard about "reindeer milk", which sounds an awful lot like Ma's "caterpillar juice".
There was no "Ma's caterpillar juice".
Just as there was no "reindeer milk". It was drugs. It always is.
A European ? And white? Is it possible, on your old days you start to realice that doping is everywhere? I'm really proud of you. Now do the last step, and accept that even your fellow countrymen from your beloved island are doing it. And ever have. In all events.
Strong circumstantial evidence he doped, so whether you believe it or not, the taint is there. BUT.....
- 5 races in 9 days in Montreal, which I watched live. 4 total golds plus 5th in the marathon. That's awesome doped or not.
- He did it with such smooth style. He appeared to be running easy even when going sub-60 sec pace. Master tactician. As Bruce Kidd said of the Montreal 5000; "he mesmerized the race like a rattlesnake". Yes he did, and beat all the superior kickers.
The last lap of the 5000m Final in 1976 with Viren holding off Quax, Hildenbrand, Dixon, Foster etc. One of the best ever races.Fantastic commentary by David...