The Olympics are once again captivating people all around the world. What is it that makes us want to watch? Why do we go to the television every night to see how Michael Phelps did or cringe because America's best sprinter failed to make the 100-meter final?
One month ago most of us didn't know Tyson Gay from Mike Tyson, but we sure know now. He's the guy who didn't even make the finals; he's the guy who left all us Americans down, we mutter from our couches.
Now that's pressure.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised that under this intense pressure there are allegations some Olympians have been "doping." You know, following the Barry Bonds cookbook of how to succeed in sports. It's a shame someone didn't talk to those athletes when they were younger.
Now picture yourself at the last high school sporting event you attended: Fans cheering and screaming at the top of their lungs along with parents celebrating their child's successes or lamenting in their child's failures.
If you have a son or daughter in high school sports, especially at the varsity level, I can almost guarantee they feel pressure. Whether it's pressure to be a starter, pressure to run faster or jump higher, they feel pressure.
Don't think there are steroids available in your area? If we have meth manufactured in Mexico and heroin made from poppies in Afghanistan, you better believe your kid can put his or her hands on performance enhancing drugs if they want to.
Don't know where to start? Try talking to your kid. If you need to be educated on steroids, there are many good resources. One I recommend is www.theantidrug.com and select steroids from the drop down menu.
(Please e-mail your question or comment to prbatod@hotmail.com or call me at (218) 587-4292. Collin Frazier, is Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Coordinator for Pine River-Backus. )
