Dec 03 2008
American Sprinter Montgomery Confessed Doping Prior to the 2000 Olympic Games
The American sprinter Tim Montgomery confessed in HBO Sports, a television interview with Bryant Gumbel, about his involvement in the use of human growth hormone and testosterone prior to the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Montgomery also stated that he does not deserve the gold medal he won in the 4×100 relay. This time, the International Olympic Committee is doing the necessary actions after the confession of the disgraced American sprinter. “Prior to the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia, I broke the rules. I used testosterone and then I used (H)GH four times a month,” Montgomery also admitted in the AFP report. “I have a gold medal that I’m sitting on that I didn’t get with my own ability.”
As a response, the IOC Spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau said that “the IOC will look into the matter as part of its open file on the BALCO case and take the necessary actions.” “Back in 2004, the IOC set up a disciplinary commission with a view to how the case might have affected Olympic Games’ competitions,” Moreau added. She also mentioned that the IOC supports the call of the U.S. Olympic Committee for Montgomery to return his medal voluntarily.
“If Tim Montgomery cheated at the games, then he should step forward and voluntarily return his medal, just as others from the 2000 team have done,” U.S. Olympic Committee spokeswoman Daryl Seibel said in addition.
Meanwhile, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) spokeswoman Nick Davies also mentioned that they would need a formal notification from the American sprinter in writing just before they can evaluate the case.
On the other hand, AP report revealed that Montgomery did not actually tested positive for any illegal drugs. However, he mentioned that it’s because he used a once-undetectable steroid to BALCO investigators in 2003. Montgomery was also suspended for two years along with the invalidation of his world record in the 100 meters when he was involved in the doping investigation of BALCO.
Currently, Montgomery is sentenced for nine years inside the jail because of two offenses: first, he received five years imprisonment because of his involvement in the distribution of heroin; then second, because of his involvement in a check fraud plan. “When I was locked in that cell, and I was by myself, I had time to think on everything that had happened. How did this happen? That’s the question I’m dealing with every day,” Montgomery said.
“Why did it take this? That’s the question I wake up to every day and go to sleep to. (I kick myself) all day long, “he added. Montgomery also stated in much disappointment, “As I sit back at night, that’s all I have is the dreams and memories that I have accomplished. I got guys in there - ‘Oh you don’t have it no more,’ or ‘Steroids is the only thing that made you fast.’”
“But I hope they view me and look back at my track record, and say that he had it. So I’m hoping I’m viewed as a man because I lived my life as a boy,” the disgraced athlete added. Unfortunately, Seibel stressed that “by using a banned substance, any result he achieved is tainted.”
[...] fastest. I wouldn’t let anything get in my way.” This was the statement of Tim Montgomery when interviewed by the Times newspaper. He revealed many things about his personal life, career [...]