Pacemakers and Drugs

[Guest]

After witnessing Paul Tergats sensational world record run, only just holding out his pacemaker, who improved dramatically (3-4mins) his marathon time it occurred to me..

In the future will the best athletes become so good that it would be beneficial to have a pacemaker allowed on drugs to pull them through fast splits. I've been wrestling internally with the ethics of this and thought why not post it and get some opinion.

Imagine if Wilson Kipkiter had someone, to lead him through 700m in 1min 27 secs there is probably no one else in the world who could do this cleanly. Maybe would see a 1.40 800m clocking.

I would be very interested to hear what people thought of this, if a pacemaker pulls out before the finish and is not part of the results, does it actually have a negative effect on the sport?

[Guest]

Re: Pacemakers and Drugs

wow. you are one consummate cheater! at least that will be 1/2 of the comments. the other half will claim that such tactics somehow violates the spirit of the olympic movement. and the third half will say why not? Me? I say, they use a motorized rabbit at the dog track...

[Guest]

Re: Pacemakers and Drugs

Pace making in track is unethical (although a reality); drug use in track is unethical. The use of drugs by pacemakers to establish "legitimate" records is a total renunciation of sportsmanship.

Pacemakers cheapen the efforts of those that they pace. The paced runner does not face the mental strain of leading or the physical strain of air resistance (at faster paces) and wind (depending on conditions). A time recorded under these conditions can hardly be created to the record-breaker alone.

It is generally agreed upon that the greatest runners (somebody will have a field day with this...) are those that are able to set their records "alone." Those that enlist the aid or rabbits are considered less great. Consider the accolades given to Kuts in his duel vs. Pirie in the 10,000m at Melbourne, and the many solo efforts of Elliot. In contrast, consider the criticisms made toward El G for his use of rabbits.

I wouldn't consider an 800m world record legitimate if some drug-induced pacer ran the first 700 meters.

What fan would care to watch such a performance?

[Guest]

Re: Pacemakers and Drugs

In theory, isn't that what is going on when a man paces women?