100 metres, Men

At the 1987 World Championships in Roma, Ben Johnson (CAN) won the race in 9.83, defeating Carl Lewis comfortably and putting the first nick in Lewis’ armor as the world’s fastest man. In the process, Johnson shattered the world record. He had also won the 100 at the 1986 Commonwealth Games and was world ranked #1 in both 1986 and 1987, with Lewis ranked #2 in 1987 and #3 in 1986. The Seoul 100 was expected to be a match-up between these two, with American Calvin Smith, the former world record holder at 9.93, and Britain’s Linford Christie considered to have shots at medals.

Lewis was fastest in the prelims, running 9.99 in the quarters and 9.97 in the semis. But the final was a runaway for Johnson, who broke his own world record with 9.79, Lewis finishing in 9.92, and Christie coming up for the bronze medal. Or so it was thought to be. Early the next day, rumors spread throughout the Olympic Village that a 100 metre finalist had tested positive for drugs and, late in the day, it was announced that this was true and that the doping violation was on Ben Johnson for using stanazolol. Johnson was disqualified, with the gold medal going to Lewis, Christie getting a silver, and Calvin Smith moving into the medals with a bronze.

As always, Johnson denied that he had ever taken performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), although by 1988 he looked as if somebody had put an air hose in his mouth and turned it on. Later that year, the Canadian government began an inquiry into the use of drugs in Canadian sports, termed the Dubin Inquiry, after presiding Judge Charles Dubin. In that inquiry, Johnson eventually admitted to the long-term use of steroids, and this was confirmed by his doctor, Jamie Astaphan, and coach, Charles Francis. Johnson was suspended for two years but did return to compete internationally in the early 90s and also participated in the 1992 Olympics. His 1987 World Championship and all his world records were rescinded by the IAAF.