In the late 1960s, I was active in cross-country and track and set some records in those events. My senior year I broke the 4-minute time for the mile, with a time of 3.58.6, while running the 2-mile at Waterville High School.

My advantage was in my training. I ran about 5 miles each morning and about 3 to 5 miles after school.

It makes me feel very sad when I hear all these reports about athletes using enhancing drugs to improve their performance. This is cheating, and they should be disqualified and their medals removed from them when they cheat.

They can win by training hard as a team, getting plenty of rest; eating wheat products, such as whole wheat cereal and pasta; water, milk and very little soda; no coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages, tobacco or other strong drinks. By following this plan one can have an advantage by living healthy.

When a man or woman cheats to win they don’t deserve those honors they receive. Unfortunately, this has gone on for a long time. There needs to be some accountability for cheating.

Dan Quimby

Benton