Doping is the fastest boost towards victory, but the price to pay is just as debilitating. James Magnussen, the swimming Olympic medalist whose career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, is once again at the cynosure of all eyes. Just last month, he made headlines by announcing his intention to “juice to the gills” to become the fastest swimmer in history in return for a whopping $1 million. This bold declaration has sparked intense discussions on social media. 

He announced doping specifically because there was intent behind his decision to do so. And that was in order to break the preexisting 50m freestyle world record. This alleged announcement has drawn sharp comments from a great swimming legend, stirring intense debate and speculation within the sporting community. Ever since his retirement in 2019, his return has caused a huge wave that is unfavourable to stop anytime soon. 

Swimming veteran steps forward against the bold decision 

The backlash upon James Magnussen’s enhanced performance enhancing deal is just increasing. The stakes went high when 12X Olympian Sharron Davies expressed the criticism. Sharing a post on her X handle, she wrote, “No thanks to this. It also sets a dangerous precedence of Doping pays & there will be people who will take serious risks with their health to win. I back clean sport- no drugs to improve (or weaken) performance”. As an athlete, the veteran’s concern is well founded, as doping exacerbates health risks of an individual, sometimes even leading to death.

James Magnussen insisted upon being careful during the process and said, “A really important part of this process to understand, and something that I think swings a lot of people’s perspectives on it”. Backing his decision with a certain scientifica moral compass, he explained, “We are not going to the boot of a car of the local gym junkie to get something that has serious side-effects”.

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Dubbed “The Missile,” he was considered the favorite for winning gold in the men’s 100m freestyle event in 2012 London. He was part of the formidable Australian relay team, often referred to as the “Weapons of Mass Destruction,” highlighting the collective dominance of the Australian swimmers on the international stage. This period marked a peak in Magnussen’s career, where his speed captured the imagination of fans and experts. He has another veneer to him and that involves doping as well.

James Magnussen and the Stilnox saga – a tale of woe

The Olympian was associated with drugging during the 2012 London Olympics. Along with his five teammates in the Australian 4x100m freestyle team, he confessed to taking the banned subscription drug during his pre-Olympic camp. Afterwards, the six athletes attempted a lot of prank-calls and door-knocking, causing discomfort to everyone. This resulted in the Australian team finishing fourth despite being the top picks for the gold.

As Magnussen, 32, says now, “he was 21 and misled by his thoughts.” He was misguided and opted for the short route, and was unable at the time to defend himself against the incident he described as “a storm in a teacup”. Now, being all the wiser, he is well-versed and thoughtful, explaining his decision with logical facts and reasons. Participating in the enhanced competition would mark his return ever since his retirement in 2019. Will his 2021 PTSD continue to haunt him, or will this novel scientific exercise open greener pastures for him? Time will tell.

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