Physicians Help Athletes

PHYSICIANS HELP ATHLETES overcome injuries and prolong their career. But at the 1972 Olympics, oversights by American doctors cost swimmer Rick DeMont a gold medal.

The 16-year-old California native suffered from asthma and allergies to wheat and fur. By using the prescription drug Marax, he was able to alleviate his symptoms. After qualifying for the Munich Games, he completed a form listing his medications. However, doctors for the U.S. Olympic team failed to check the drug’s components for substances banned under International Olympic Committee rules.

After edging out Australia’s Bradford Cooper by .01 seconds for the gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle, DeMont submitted to a drug test. Two days later, while the swimmer waited to compete in the 1,500 meters, officials informed him that he’d tested positive for ephedrine—a compound contained in Marax—and could not swim.

Over the next few days, confusion and endless legal proceedings occupied the American’s time. At the conclusion, the IOC stripped DeMont of his gold medal and issued a stern reprimand to U.S. officials.

In 1996, DeMont filed suit against the United States Olympic Committee, claiming mishandling of his medical disclosure. As part of the settlement, the USOC issued a press release stating the swimmer properly informed officials of his prescriptions. The committee updated the visitor’s kiosk at its Colorado Springs headquarters to reflect DeMont’s accomplishment in the 1972 Games.

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POINT Rick DeMont did everything right. He openly discussed his asthma and allergies. He completely disclosed his prescription drugs. But the doctors failed to check the chemicals in Marax. A mistake cost DeMont an Olympic medal, a leg on the relay team, and his reputation as a clean, drug-free athlete.

In life, we also should strive to be clean. The great thing is that Jesus can make us that way. In the Old Testament Moses wrote about a day when the Lord will cleanse us from our sins. That’s exactly what happens when we pray to ask Jesus into our life.

GOAL! If you haven’t prayed to invite Jesus into your life, you can do it now. Simply tell God you’ve made a lot of mistakes and believe that Jesus can cleanse your sins. Ask God to help you live for him and to give you a spotless reputation.