THE BEN JOHNSON STEROID INQUIRY : USOC’s Chief Medical Officer Says Disclosures May Help Resolve Problem

Dr. Robert Voy, chief medical officer of the United States Olympic Committee, has been outspoken in an effort to stop athletes’ use of anabolic steroids.

But he has been frustrated because he believes few were listening.

Late Wednesday when he learned of testimony at a Canadian inquiry that made widespread allegations into steroid use in track and field, Voy seemed relieved.

“I’m not happy about the implications,” he said from his home at Colorado Springs, Colo. “But I’ve been involved in trying to alert the sport and the (medical) profession. The time has come to get tough with the problem.”

Voy said disclosures such as the ones made Wednesday at Toronto by sprinter Ben Johnson’s coach will enhance officials’ chances of ending drug use.

“Attention has to be focused on the problem,” he said. “What it means is that we must take stronger measures than we have been taking.”

Robert Helmick, USOC president, said Wednesday at Washington that the Soviet Union and United States, in an effort to extend their agreement of reciprocal steroid testing, will discuss the possibility of setting up testing facilities in each country for use by the other.

“I’ve said enough over the years,” Voy said. “It’s time for others to take the lead.”