22 Sep 2025

Feature interview: The dirtiest race ever run

From Afternoons, 3:10 pm on 22 September 2025

Of the five top finishers, US runner Calvin Smith was the only one who never tested positive for any banned substance. Canadian Ben Johnson tested positive for steroids and was stripped of Gold. American Carl Lewis was elevated to first place and British sprinter Linford Christie got silver despite both testing positive for stimulants. Calvin Smith was then awarded the Bronze. That race became a test of character Calvin Smith has carried throughout his life. The man who should have won gold, reflects on what sport, integrity, and resilience mean in the face of unfairness. Calvin Smith spoke to Jesse.

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