Word: world-record
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Around the world, Johnson's disqualification suddenly riveted public attention on the decades-old problem of performance-enhancing drug use with an altogether new intensity. By week's end the total of ten drug-related disqualifications in Seoul was close to the 1984 figure. But many thought: If this world-record holder would risk detection, everyone must be doing it. Spectators felt deceived and non-using athletes felt gypped. Overnight the Olympics became clouded, suspected of being an unholy chemistry competition rather than the glorious alchemy of will, talent and training that is its ideal...
...individual medley, with Dave Wharton of the U.S. a solid second. Britain's Adrian Moorhouse was favored to win the 100-meter breaststroke, and did. Big Matt Biondi finally won his first gold by anchoring the U.S. 4 X 200-meter freestyle relay team to a world-record win in the best race of the week, roaring up from behind to beat Steffen Zesner of East Germany with the fastest 200-meter leg ever swum, as teammates Troy Dalbey, Matt Cetlinski and Doug Gjertsen bayed to the rafters at poolside. But before that, he finished third . in the 200-meter...
...East Germans are nearly geriatric by that standard. One of the squad's golden oldies, Kristin Otto, 22, is still a formidable all-around sprinter. But in order to take the gold in the 100-meter freestyle event, she may have to better her world-record 54.73-second time, which has stood, amazingly, since 1986. Says Otto: "I know I haven't reached my limits...
When 13-time World-Record Holder John Thomas of the U.S. became the first to top 7 ft. indoors in 1959, there were no fat fees or endorsements with shoe companies. Recalls Thomas: "My coach slipped me an extra $10 that night for hamburgers, and I was king of 44th Street. Times change." Barriers fall...
Whether such guidance is benevolent or not, it is useful in collecting a bag of gold that enhances national pride and compensates for the state's political failings. Most athletes are grateful and patriotic. Ulf Timmermann, 25, a member of the ruling Socialist Unity Party and world-record holder in shot put, speaks of "my obligation to achieve high performances in sport as a contribution to strengthening our Republic." More tangible benefits include world travel and a genuine popularity at home...