Johnson Begs for 2nd Chance to Compete : Admits He Took Steroids Before Setting 100-Meter Dash Record in ’87

Ben Johnson today begged for a second chance to compete for Canada and admitted that he took steroids in 1987 before setting a world record in the 100-meter dash that still stands.

The sprinter told an inquiry into drugs and athletics that he wants to compete for Canada in the 1992 Olympics. Asked if he could be the fastest without drugs, he replied: “I know I can be.”

Johnson also said he wants to send a message to youth.

“I want to tell them to be honest, don’t take drugs. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to cheat,” he said.

Johnson said he lied about cheating at the Seoul Olympics until now because “I was ashamed for my family and friends. I was just in a mess.”

Review Expected

Johnson, who lost his gold medal in Seoul because of steroids, also acknowledged using them before setting a world record in the 100-meter dash at the 1987 World Track and Field Championships in Rome.

The sprinter said he was given steroid injections for two weeks at the end of June and early July before the August, 1987, meet at which he set the still-standing world record of 9.83 seconds.

Despite the scandal over Johnson’s steroid use, the record has been allowed to stand, but athletics officials have said they would review the situation if there was evidence that the sprinter had taken banned performance-enhancing substances before the event.

The sprinter confirmed that he was given steroid injections by his coach, Charlie Francis, last Aug. 24, and by personal physician Dr. Jamie Astaphan last Aug. 25 and 28 before the Olympics.

Johnson said he took no substances on his own between that time and the 100-meter race at Seoul on Sept. 24.

Honey-Vinegar Drink

He forfeited the 9.79-second performance that bested his own world record and the Olympic gold medal because of a positive test for the anabolic steroid stanozolol.

Johnson also said that he did not drink a honey-and-vinegar beverage that Astaphan sent to him the day of the race.

Although there had been speculation Astaphan was trying to mask the most recent steroid injections, the doctor testified that it was nothing but an energy drink.

Johnson said he returned to Canada immediately from Seoul after returning his gold medal because he was concerned about the security of his family.

“I wanted to get them out of there quickly,” he said.

The inquiry panel appears to be headed toward a conclusion that Johnson’s coach and physician rushed in a last-minute steroid program before the Olympics because of Johnson’s disappointing August European tour and failed to leave enough clearance time.

Asked if he wondered about the change from the usual routine of steroid treatments in fall, spring and early summer, the athlete answered: “No, sir.”