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Carl Lewis Hints at Bolt Drug Connection

US great says Jamaica's testing policy puts Olympic feats in question

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 12, 2008 12:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – US Olympic great Carl Lewis says Jamaica needs to toughen its drug policy before he’ll take Usain Bolt’s sprinting feats seriously. “I think there are some issues,” Lewis tells Sports Illustrated. “No one is accusing anyone. But don’t live by a different rule and expect the same kind of respect.” Unlike the US, Jamaica does not have a random drug-testing program.

“For someone to run 10.03 one year and 9.69 the next, if you don't question that … you're a fool. Period,” said Lewis, adding that were he dominating today, he would expect to be questioned. Lewis was offended, he added, when a top track official said Bolt’s performances were more impressive than Lewis’. “For him to make that judgment is wrong,” says Lewis. “He should talk about Usain on his own merits.”

In this July 29, 1996 file photo, Carl Lewis of the United States takes his third jump during the men's long jump final at the 1996 Summer Olympic games in Atlanta.
In this July 29, 1996 file photo, Carl Lewis of the United States takes his third jump during the men's long jump final at the 1996 Summer Olympic games in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
Countries like Jamaica do not have a random program, so they can go months without being tested, he adds. I'm not saying anyone is on anything, but everyone needs to be on a level playing field.
"Countries like Jamaica do not have a random program, so they can go months without being tested," he adds. "I'm not saying anyone is on anything, but everyone needs to be on a level playing field."   (AP Photo)
Jamaica's Olympic champion Usain Bolt takes a question during a news conference after his arrival in Kingston, Jamaica, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008.
Jamaica's Olympic champion Usain Bolt takes a question during a news conference after his arrival in Kingston, Jamaica, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Collin Reid)
Jamaica's Asafa Powell looks on after winning the men's 100m event at the IAAF Grand Prix in Rieti, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008.
Jamaica's Asafa Powell looks on after winning the men's 100m event at the IAAF Grand Prix in Rieti, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Don't live by a different rule and expect the same kind of respect, Carl Lewis says of Usain Bolt and Jamaica's drug-testing policy, less stringent than in other countries.
"Don't live by a different rule and expect the same kind of respect," Carl Lewis says of Usain Bolt and Jamaica's drug-testing policy, less stringent than in other countries.   (AP Photo)
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For someone to run 10.03 one year and 9.69 the next, if you don't question that in a sport that has the reputation it has right now, you're a fool. Period. - Carl Lewis, on Usain Bolt and Jamaica's drug-testing policy

No one is accusing anyone. But don't live by a different rule and expect the same kind of respect. - Carl Lewis

If I were running now, and had the performances I had in my past, I would expect them to say something. I wouldn't even be offended at the question. - Carl Lewis

I was completely embarrassed that the United States could not pass the baton. - Carl Lewis

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Guest
Aug 27, 2009 8:19 PM CDT
In fact, Carl Lewis is a disgrace to the sports. Does he wants to claim legendary stardom alone? That, nobody can be better than him? Or he wants that person to be an American? Carl started this childish comments in the late 80s, anytime an athlete beats his heroics. Whether he likes it or yes, Usain "the Lightening" Bolt is the engendered species of 21st Century athletics. The Special One of sprints. He has resurrected a once dead and uninteresting discipline. We in Africa, love him so much, whether drugs or not. He has broken the American autonomy, hegemony and authority.

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