Question of the Day | 07/30/2009 11:00 pm

When talking about enhancing athletic performance, is there really such a difference between human and equipment enhancement?

The Michael Phelps Speedo controversy has us wondering: What’s the difference between human enhancement such as steroids, supplements and vitamins, and equipment enhancement such as the new LZR Racer or Arena X-Glide? Join Joan Ganz Cooney, Liz Smith, Sheila Nevins and Marlo Thomas in the conversation.

Joan Ganz Cooney | 08/02/2009 10:40 am

Joan Ganz Cooney on 'Meaningless' Records

I wish all enhancements were prohibited. The records in sports are becoming more and more meaningless and I think that’s a shame.

3 Comments

Marlo Thomas | 08/02/2009 4:00 pm

The Only Way to See Who's Fastest, by Marlo Thomas

When a miracle swimmer like Michael Phelps gets beaten by a full-body length (which is like a mile in professional swimming) by a guy who can’t carry his water (chlorinated or otherwise) – and then the guy admits, “The suit makes all the difference” – isn’t it time to suspect a little polyurethane hanky-panky here? Yes, I think that equipment enhancement is as shady as chemical enhancement. And if we REALLY want to see who’s the fastest – I say we make these guys swim in the nude.

4 Comments

Liz Smith | 08/03/2009 11:55 am

Liz Smith Gets 'Behind' Sports

I can’t get all heated up about anything to do with sports except when a horse like Barbaro breaks a leg running. I don’t care who takes steroids. I am just not interested, though I do enjoy looking at athletes like Michael Phelps in the almost altogether. And I like watching pro football the same way I watch ballet. All those male behinds to be patted.

1 Comment

Sheila Nevins | 08/03/2009 12:15 pm

Sheila Nevins: Let Them Swim Naked!

Cheating is cheating. Advantage should be skill and wit alone. Let the swimmers swim again – naked.

4 Comments

26 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Swimming has become more specialized. So, how does one compare a swimmer like Charles Daniel, who won five golds over three Olympics in 1904, 1906 and 1908, to swimmers of this generation?

Is Phelps better than Mark Spitz, who swam with a full head of hair and mustache and standard suit? Hard to say, but if there are suits that lead to better performance, they should be standard for all competitive swimmers.

Phelps is a champion because he has spent every day in the water for ten years. Regardless of equipment, he will probably continue to rake in the medals.

By Maggie W on 07/31/2009 9:43 am

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That’s just it, Maggie. It’s impossible to compare eras in sports. I’ve heard people say things like, "Babe Ruth, with that beer gut, wouldn’t even make a Major League team today." To which I respond: "Yeah, but he’d probably be in shape today. And if he were on ‘roids, he’d hit 100 homers in a season."

Will Phelps be in the next Summer Olympics?

By James the Game on 07/31/2009 11:36 am

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He’s in the water everyday and Milorad Covac is baiting him, so that seems to be the plan.

Babe Ruth, one of the all time greats. What has happened to baseball? It pains me ! My love for the game began when I was a small kid playing on vacant lots on summer days. No adults ,so we’d have great fights and beat the tar out of one another, then play some more. That was painful, but not as painful as seeing red faced pitching hero Roger Clements stammering before a Senate panel. I’m no longer the fan I was once was. Hometown Astros in action is either a total joy or a total disappointment. Grrrrrrrrrrr !

By Maggie W on 07/31/2009 12:37 pm

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Eqipment is only a tool. Suits, shoes, etc. I takes hours of work daily to become a champion. My husband has the finest golf clubs and while he is a good golfer he is not the Golden Bear.

All sports equipment have adapted over the years. Better balls, bats, shoes and swimwear. As someone has already stated, the original Olympians were naked…

By Doe Nichols on 07/31/2009 11:47 am

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Aren’t really fast underpants called Speedos?

By Star Lawrence on 07/31/2009 2:01 pm

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Maybe it is time they start regulating body suits in order to standardize them - just like bicycles, bobsleds, volleyballs, pools, tracks, …

By Zera Lee on 07/31/2009 11:38 pm

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No enhancements were needed in 1968, when my good friend, Peggy Fleming, won the United States’ only gold medal for figure skating. Just that simple - then and now.

By Patricia Sprofera on 08/01/2009 10:15 am

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Patty, that’s cool that you’re chums with Peggy Fleming. I always thought she was beautiful.

By James the Game on 08/01/2009 1:43 pm

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James - Yes, we’ve been friends since 1967. I’ll e-mail Peggy the article and she’ll see/read your comment. Enjoy the week end. Patty

By Patricia Sprofera on 08/01/2009 1:54 pm

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"…is there really such a difference between human and equipment enhancement?" If you watch enough late night television commercials, they swear by it.

By Washington Cube on 08/01/2009 4:13 pm