This Week, Ben Johnson, the disgraced Canadian sprinter, will find out whether he is to be given the chance to live his dream once more. Big Bad Ben appeared in a court in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday, where he claimed the life ban imposed by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) four years ago, after he tested positive for drugs for the second time, is unfair and he should be given the opportunity to compete again. A judge will announce his ruling on Friday.
Stripped of his Olympic gold medal in Seoul in 1988 after winning the 100 metres in a world record 9.79 seconds, which was subsequently removed when he tested positive for anabolic steroids, Johnson returned to the track after serving a two-year ban. But he was kicked out for good in 1993 when he again tested positive, this time for excessive testosterone.
Johnson initially denied any drug use after Seoul. But several months later he admitted he had lied, saying he was confused by all the pressure. The second time, he maintains he was framed.
"When I came back, the establishment still wanted me out, so they set me up," Johnson said. "I was tested three times in five days in Canada. The first and third tests were clean, but the middle one showed me over the testosterone limit. That couldn't happen - if I had been positive it would have shown in all three tests."
The hearing is part of a two-pronged attack by Johnson and his lawyers to embarrass the IAAF. They are also planning to launch a legal action to have his time of 9.83 seconds, set during the world championships in Rome 10 years ago, reinstated. Fellow Canadian Donovan Bailey currently holds the world record of 9.84 seconds, which he set at last year's Olympics, but Johnson's lawyers claim that their clint's world record should stand as Johnson never failed a test after that performance. The reason for launching the suit is also partly vindictive. Bailey has spoken out against Johnson being allowed to return to the sport and the two camps do not get on.
Johnson denies his motivation for coming back is financial. He earned millions before he was banned.
"I want to prove to everyone how fast Ben Johnson can run," the disgraced sprinter said. "Then people will have the chance to say: `He's done it and he was clean when he did it'. I want that chance so I can retire happy."
Guardian Service
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)