Re: [sumo] drug use in sumo

[Barbara Ann Klein <baklein@attglobal.net>]

All right, let's knock this off already.  SK, what is YOUR beef with
Asashoryu (who spells his name exactly like that, as a matter of fact, as do
the Kyokai programs and web site?

So are we supposed to assume now that Minaminoshima, who has gained 10kilo
since January and who won his division yusho, after a few years of just fair
sumo, is also taking steroids?  What about all of Maru's weight gains? What
about all the other kids in their early 20's who put on weight and muscle?

These are YOUNG MEN. They have the capacity to grow at a rapid pace.
Massive?  I'll bet we can cite a number of young rikishi who can equate in
weight gain. What about the muscle that Takanoyama has acquired?  A result
of steroids? I don't see the other East Europeans like Kotooshu putting on
such bulk.  See?  It works all the way around.

I started running marathons at the age of 40 and steadily increased my
finishing times and strength as I got older. I started winning 10Ks and 20Ks
in my age group despite severe asthma.  How about a 3:20 marathon at the age
of 41 after smoking 3 packs a day for 25 years?  Steroids? No,
determination.

Don't get me started.

Sure, I like the Yokozuna. I am friendly not only with him, but I am also
close with his family as well. You should see his dad, at age 60-whatever.
Men would give anything to be in the shape and hardness he is at half or
even a third of his age. Steroids? I don't think so.



Disparage him all you wish for "traditional Japanese sumo tradition"
shortcomings, but don't try to undermine his ability, his dedication to
training, and his love for sumo.

As far as "insiders" and other rikishi not liking him. Have you been out
with him with his peers and lower rankers? I have. He is one of the nicest,
funniest and most generous young persons I've known in a long time.
Certainly, there is likely a LOT of jealousy out there, but those who know
him know that he is very well liked by many, but no, not all, of those who
have no reason to resent his ascendance to the level he has reached. That
REEKS of sour grapes.

I'm sure the Yokozuna will get a kick out of hearing about all these
messages.  Too bad I won't feel like relating his comments back to the
list.....


AND to put the record straight, I also love all the boys at Naruto, as well
as the oyakata and the okamisan, for whom I would fight to the death!
...and Kokonoe...and Hakkaku...and Tatsunami.....gee, I forgot Tokitsukaze
and Sadogatake..........

BabaRYUtaikai - the number one obnoxious Asashoryu supporter


)4/1/04 2:16 PMShiroiKuma

> Well, I can say the following on this subject.
> 
> I¹ve always thought it¹d be next to impossible for a rikishi to take steroids,
> based on their packed schedule, lifestyle completely different from
> professional athletes abroad etc.
> 
> Last it just doesn¹t fall in with the ideal of overcoming yourself.
> 
> Most of this I still think.
> 
> With regard to Asashouryuu though, last time I went to Japan at the end of
> last year, I spent a month training in Naruto-beya, preparing for the European
> Sumou Championships.
> 
> And I talked to a lotta rikishi, Sekitori and Makushita and below from many
> heya and two things stuck in my mind:
> 
> That Asashouryuu was probably the most disliked person in Oozumou from the
> insiders and not because he was beating everybody. And that most everyone was
> cofident that he¹s on steroids, that he¹s gotten massive in about half a year,
> his non-nonchalant competitive attitude, the I-have-a-chip-on-my-shoulder
> dame-oshi style sumou, and all those things. This was kinda surprising.
> 
> This is not saying that he takes steroids, just that his behavior matches the
> pattern of a steroid user and many rikishi think he is...
> 
> Later,
> 
> ShiroiKuma
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-sumo@statgen.ncsu.edu [mailto:owner-sumo@statgen.ncsu.edu] On
> Behalf Of JOHN GUNNING
> Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 10:48 AM
> To: sumo@statgen.ncsu.edu
> Subject: [sumo] drug use in sumo
> 
> just had someone ask me if there were any drug questions surrounding
> asashoryu. i have to admit i was totally taken aback by the question. it had
> never crossed my mind. anyone else out there know if this has ever been an
> issue? drug use is probably not even something that is officially banned in
> sumo I`d say.
> john
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
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> [EndPost by "JOHN GUNNING" <gunningjohn@hotmail.com>]
> 
> 
> 
> [EndPost by "ShiroiKuma" <ShiroiKuma@ShiroiKuma.com>]


[EndPost by Barbara Ann Klein <baklein@attglobal.net>]