Richard Moore, The Dirtiest Race in History (2013)
Doping in sport has become a consistent presence in news over recent years. Most recently, the case of Ruth Jebet was just another example of depressing stories of leading athletes testing positive. The Dirtiest Race in History follows one of the most notorious cases but it is certainly possible that more recent examples could challenge for such a title. What emerges from Moore’s work is the systematic issues that facilitate this situation. This post will be focused on the book but also on the situation regarding track and field rather than systemic issues in other major sports.
This book tells the story surrounding the 100m final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Presented almost like a dramatic Hollywood movie there is a fixation on the relationship between Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson. As Moore states describing the pair leading into the Olympics.
It’s the contrast between the pair that makes the race so intriguing and their rivalry so beguiling. That and their mutual dislike. Johnson is rough; Lewis is smooth. Johnson exudes menace: he is a boxer, or a bull. Lewis is a butterfly: sleek, graceful, soft-featured.
A link to the race can be found here
Carl Lewis was looking to defend his title at the 1988 Olympics, Ben Johnson seeking to prove his position as the fastest man in history. What eventually unfolded after the race is now widely known, what Des Lynam at the time called “the most dramatic story out of these Olympics, or perhaps any others.”
The focus is squarely placed on Ben Johnson but only two of the Seoul finalists have never been tainted by drug allegations (Robson da Silva and Calvin Smith, 6th and 4th respective in Seoul). The story parallels Johnson’s and Lewis’s careers and progress to the Olympic final. Moore highlights the development of their respective personas but through personal interviews shows where these were in alignment with reality or media creations. Even without performance enhancers these two men were exceptional athletes. What seemingly holds true in this case is the common phrase that it is the search for the extra 1% that drove athletes to using such drugs and treatments. It is a compelling narrative to see the traditional kind of movie plot emerge from two athletes who were celebrities by the time of their showdown in Seoul.
Aside from the narrative of Johnson and Lewis the well researched book also covers the nature of track and field in the 1980s. This is also a fascinating insight into the state of agents and athletes at this point in time. The sections on college recruiting and agent management of both Johnson and Lewis add to an already intriguing story. In addition to all this Moore describes the personality of both and how this influenced their career development. What Moore does well in this case however, is assembling the cast for the 1988 final, particularly Calvin Smith, the highest finisher not tainted by drug accusations and the athlete who claims he still feels he is the moral winner of the race. The book while focused on the two stars pulls together historical figures, those close to both athletes and those who were also involved in the titular event. Containing interviews with many of those involved strengthens the narrative of this book.
Since the 1988 Olympic final showdown, countless examples of drug cheats being exposed have come to light. Consideration of the banning of Russian athletes comes with closer scrutiny of systemic issues not only within track and field but countless other sports. Also noting some of the most significant cases such as Lance Armstrong and the investigations into Alberto Salazar and the Oregon Project. The Dirtiest Race in History may no longer be the most accurate title but many of the issues it presents are still very much prevalent. For example 6 of the top 9 athletes in the women’s 1500m final at the 2012 London Olympics were all indicted in such PED accusations. What this creates is a lack of trust in exceptional performance and severely damages the livelihood of those athletes that missed out on medals or prize money.
Ultimately while an incredible event itself, the 1988 men’s 100m final marked a low point for athletics and has since been shown as a forecast for such problems being systemic. With so many negative stories surrounding doping in athletics the title may not be as accurate but it will always hold a place in history. Separating the book itself from the wider problems it deals with leaves a compelling and interesting story, however, as an athlete and someone interested in track this book is hard to read without judgement. It follows on from some of the themes in Running with the Kenyans showing systemic problems in regulations which create an uneven playing field but also damage trust in exceptional performance.
The Weekly Book Report 