How an alcoholic became the hero

Why does Michael Phelps was worth to keep silent and not to criticize the Yulia Efimova

American swimmer Michael Phelps maintained his teammate Lily King, which, in turn, sharply responded about our swimmer Yulia Efimova. Like, Efimova, has won two silver medals at the Olympics in general is not the place, as it was previously caught for doping. The second time - on the very meldonium, whose inclusion in the list of banned drugs - a separate and highly controversial and questionable history (in terms of consumption of Meldonium (Mildronate) Efimova fully rehabilitated, and past her suspension was over a long time). And now, "fit" for the King, Phelps said: "We are faced with a very sad situation today in sports, and not only at sea, where people who used to be caught in the positive samples, are now permitted again before the competition. I believe that it undermines the very essence of the sport, and it tears my heart. " Here Phelps do not called directly Efimova (although it is a couple of years ago, she left for the disqualification for doping, but was made of the International Swimming Federation of the Games).

I must say, Yulia, King responding to her allegations, commemorated in vain, and Phelps, who several years ago was caught on that he used marijuana. But that's not all. In 2014, he was convicted of "drunk driving". Phelps was stopped by police when drove at a speed of 84 miles per hour (about 135 km / h) in the city of Baltimore, in a restricted 45 miles. The level of alcohol in the blood exceeds the permissible norm of Maryland laws more than twice (the rate is 0.08% blood alcohol content). Phelps was arrested and then sentenced to year. Since this was the second offense within 10 years from the category of DUI (driving under influence, literally "driving under the influence" means - illicit drugs), it is first sentenced to year. In America, with repeat offenders do not stand on ceremony. But then commuted to a suspended and another was sentenced to eighteen months of probation, forced to undergo compulsory treatment for alcohol dependence. Phelps visited the club of Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. He also went 45-course "anger management" in an institution in the Arizona desert.

As recently as the spring of 2016 a happy Phelps, whose wife was expecting a baby then, reported on how it is now a good life, without taking into the mouth a drop of alcohol. Just in March and ended 6-month disqualification Phelps swimming the American Association. He decided to admit to the Olympics - in the hope that it will bring America new medals. The calculations were justified.

His return to the Olympics was a triumph, he won several awards, installing, say, almost two thousand years the record for the number of them won by one athlete.

And this story is not so much about that, they say, Michael Phelps would be worth to keep silent and to refrain from reading Yulia Efimova morality or even to someone who once stumbled. This story is also that person - including in sports of high achievements - always have to give a second chance, not to poison his past mistakes. And, of course, very strange looks at the background of these stories the principle of "collective responsibility" of athletes. In particular, our country. Celebrations ineradicable double standards - one reformed, hurt yourself again and became "beloved hero" and the other should be infinitely peck and push around. Despite the fact that drinking and driving, and even at 130 km / h - it's practically "attempted murder" and use of Meldonium (Mildronate) a year ago, even not considered to be doping.