Ben had a beautiful stride. There was no wasted motion from head to toe. He didn't have a height advantage with regards to length of stride. Truly one of if not the greatest sprinter of all time.

Superlative documentary.....the narrator, the eerie music... everything was perfect 😊

It’s sad that people don’t know what really happened in Seoul. Charlie Francis told most of it in his book “Speed Trap”. After the Seoul catastrophe, Charlie and his athletes had to face many things, but none was more devastating than the Dubiin Inquiry. This was a legal proceeding, maybe the first of its kind. Everyone was required to testify under oath. Lying could result in jail time. At the centre of it were Ben Johnson and Charlie Francis. They were both so open about what they had done that it cost Ben all his medals and his records going back years. Ben was banned from racing for the rest of his prime athletic years. Charlie was banned from coaching athletes for LIFE. In retrospect, those sentences were extremely punitive. They had both told the truth. Ben was on steroids, but not the Stanazolol steroid the IOC claimed was in his sample. This contradiction was irrelevant in terms of the outcomes of the Dubin inquiry. Steroids are steroids. Ben and Charlie had admitted to steroid use under oath. That was all that mattered. But what really happened in Seoul then? When the news of Ben’s test results came back, Dick Pound, who was with the Canadian Team organization, went before and IOC committee to plead Ben’s case. By this time, everyone knew that the security had broken down completely in the athletes drug testing area. There were people without proper accreditation wandering around in the area which was supposed to be secure. No one knew what they were doing there. Dick Pound made the case that anyone could have spiked the bottles of water that Ben was drinking in order to give a urine sample. Impossible to prove that Ben had steroids in his system before the race. The committee responded that Ben’s endocrine profile indicated long term steroid use. Endocrine profile? Dick responded that he wasn’t properly prepared to defend Ben on that charge. That wasn’t the original charge. The committee told Dick, who was a lawyer, that it didn’t matter. This wasn’t a court of law and Ben was disqualified. Dick could do nothing more for Ben. It was over. By this time the Media had spread the word that Ben was disqualified for Stanazolol found in his urine sample. There was no point in trying to correct the record, Ben was still disqualified and no one would care about technicalities that changed nothing. Endocrine profile? What was that all about? The claim was made that Ben’s natural testosterone levels weren’t normal, something that happens with Steroid use. That test was actually run on all the athletes urine samples. After all the damage was done, Charlie managed to get the results of those tests. More than 80% of all the male athletes in track had the same problem with their endocrine profile as Ben. Ben was the only athlete to be disqualified on the results of those endocrine profile tests. Charlie had also got a bit more information about Ben’s urine sample. The Stanazolol in Ben’s urune was undifferentiated, meaning that it could of only been in his system for a very short time. The public perception of steroids was like they were magic. You take them and you are immediately stronger and faster. But that’s not how they work. There would have been no point in Ben having put Stanazolol in his system right before the race. It would do nothing in the short term and was a sure way to be caught. Furthermore, they had tried Stanazolol on Ben years before and it had an effect of making Ben’s muscles tight and he actually ran slower. That was the reason Ben was using a different steroid. Another mystery. How did that steroid get in Ben’s sample? Many years later, Charlie found out that the Stanazolol in Ben’s urine had not only been undifferentiated, it had actually been PURE. Only one way that could happen. Pure Stanazolol somehow got into Ben’s urine sample in the lab. But was it a case of accidental contamination, or was it done on purpose? Impossible to tell now. In any case, Seoul was ancient history. Was Ben set up? Of course, there were powerful people and big money riding on Carl winning the 100m. Much more so than Ben. Insiders knew that everyone was taking steroids, but they’d never been able to catch Ben. It was the same reason they weren’t catching other big names either. There wasn’t random testing in those days. If you were an important athlete, you were working with a team of professional trainers and ‘nutritional’ experts who knew exactly how long you needed to be off the steroids before testing in order to not be caught. The magic of Steroids was that they helped you workout longer, harder and recover faster for months on end. There was no reason to risk taking them too close to the important, drug tested races. So, was someone paid off to contaminate Ben’s urine sample? Someone who didn’t know what steroid Ben was using? Stanazolol was probably a good bet because lots of athletes were using it. Did they not anticipate the security breaking down in the drug testing area? Is that why they came up with the endocrine profile excuse, but only for Ben? You be the judge. It is interesting that the same Dick Pound that went along with the IOC Committee on Ben’s disqualification later became the head of the IOC’s drug testing program and was at one time on the short list for the job of new leader of the IOC. Coincidence? Reward?

The main reason Carl Lewis was so angry was that he didn't win. He was doping too, it was so widespread in the 80's and 90's and he was caught for it too, the Americans just covered it up better. Johnson was used as a scapegoat for the doping in '88, because the Yanks wanted the medals for themselves. Lewis was just so vain and arrogant that he wanted ALL the glory for himself.

Funny how the passage of time has proved Charlie Francis right. All the other athletes in the 100m were on the juice too so you could choose to play on a level playing field or lineup 10m behind the rest. If Ben is American the IOC never announces a positive test as well all know its money that talks when it comes to the IOC. You'll never strip away the joy of watching Ben crush Carl Lewis .

That 100 m final was dirtier than a wicker toilet seat. And Carl Lewis should have been banned from participating because he failed three tests at the US Olympic trials. The brilliant Ben Johnson was made a scapegoat, that’s for sure.

Ben Johnson was so good it’s frightening.

It also made him a scapegoat for the entire track and field world who were all doing the same thing. The world owes Ben an apology.

I just remember how jacked Johnson was. Then he just exploded out to he blocks like nobody had ever seen.

Carl Lewis has broken his silence on allegations that he was the beneficiary of a drugs cover-up, admitting he had tested positive for banned substances but claiming he was just one of "hundreds" of American athletes who were allowed to escape bans. "There were hundreds of people getting off," he said. "Everyone was treated the same." Lewis has now acknowledged that he failed three tests during the 1988 US Olympic trials, which under international rules at the time should have prevented him from competing in the Seoul games two months later.

ALL THOSE SPIRNTERS WERE LOADED IN 1984 AND 1988. BEN WHOOPED ALL THEIR ASSES. I DONT WANNA HEAR IT.

What a shame. 30 years after it is very clear that he was the best and most natural sprinter. Not more doped than the rest of them...

Ben Johnson is one of the greatest of all time. Always will be. I don’t give a fu#% if he took banned substances. We still have no idea how many races and medals were won by athletes taking performance enhancing drugs.

I don’t care. This race was one of the most exciting events I’ve ever seen. The build up had gone on for about two years and Ben smoked Lewis. What came a couple of days later was sad but at that moment it was awesome. And looking at the reality of the doping situation then, I still think Ben is the best. Sorry Usain, you’re cool too..

What everyone forgets is that Carl Lewis also did not pass his drug test that year. However, he said that it was due to cold medicine he was taking. However, a druggist said for cold medicine to show up in that percentage he would have to take it by the case load. The American Olympic committee let it pass.

Your documentary Will not change or erase his name in the history of track. He Will remain GREAT in the heart of millions of People around thé world.

Johnson was not the only one on the juice that day.

You can't achieve what been achieved on "drugs" only. Ben should be declared winner and given his Olympic medal back

If Ben Johnson was from the usa the test woulda been covered up & he would have gone down in history as the greatest ever sprinter

The greatest sporting ever! I will never forget this 100 meter final.

The only difference between Ben Johnson and the rest of the field of athletes is Ben Johnson got caught.

This documentary should’ve been titled “Sacrificial Lamb”.

Drugs or not. Still, the most 100 m I've ever seen.

Ben got retired by this age 27. Metres before the finish line he was already raising his hand. I’m sure he could have ran faster than 9.79.

This was sad. I just wish him peace.

Whatever...He was my childhood hero. He is still my hero. I couldn't sleep for nights after hearing the decision. His physic, body made grate impact on me. I wanted to be like him... For me, he is the greatest athlete I have ever seen

IMO ... all these athletes are on some sort of designer PEDs ahead of the testing agencies. Even Lewis' tests came up positive during Olympic Trials ... but wasnt revealed until much later. If Lewis had not been an American, and Johnson was running for the USA ..... Johnson would still be considered the greatest sprinter ever. All that put aside ..... dream race .... Johnson's start and out of the block speed vs Bolts stride and acceleration. Could Johnson maintain or would Bolt overtake ??

No one talks about the guy that came in 3rd Calvin Smith, he was the only one out of the top 4 in that race to not be on steroids

Ben Johnson was thrilling to watch and brought us the joy of amazement, the quintessential purpose of sport.

They were all on drugs, they were all equal , Ben was the best, i have total respect for him

Way to go baby you still my boy

All facts considered, Ben Johnson was the fastest 100m runner of the 20th century. All facts considered.

Ben was as 'clean' as EVERY other olympic or national level athlete. ;)

So crazy how Ben was the only one whose life was destroyed, when every single athlete was injecting steroids at the time. This includes Flo Jo, and Carl Lewis.

Mind you, Carl Lewis didn’t look like a steroid user. He wasn't a muscle head. He was more lean. Not a bulked up dude like Johnson. Johnson was set up though, in my opinion. Due to the complete lack of security at the testing and storage area, and the fact that he had pure stanozolol in his sample.

This was one of my favourite Olympics games Seoul 1988. Because of itv fantastic intro and first time in a long time USA and Russia and east Germany at the same games. and it had the wow factor in both the 100 m and 200 m women and the men's 100 m final.we know the later outcome , but the build up to the races was unbelievable And the speed of Johnson out of the blocks and pulling away ,I will never forget that excitement and shock of that moment only at the 2008 Olympics men 100 m and 2009 world championship

As time ticks by, more and more will eventually come out about this incredible 100m epoch. However, if you are in any doubt that Ben Johnson was singled out (for a myriad of reasons no doubt), then have a read of Richard Moore's excellent piece "The Dirtiest Race in History", it provides balance, cold-hard facts and real perspective.

Everybody don't cheat Ben

First thing that comes to mind about the 1988 Olympics is not who won what, but about Ben Johnson who won and lost. To his defense, IMO at Olympic level, there are more winners who cheat and don't get caught, than winners who don't cheat.

“It is easier to fool people than to convince people they have been fooled.” - Mark Twain

drugs or no drugs....Ben Johnson was ahead of his time. Fastest man ever. please, I can take all the steroids and not run 11 secs..spare me the malarkey...

Everyone has something they have to overcome. But you can't make excuses. We all have to take responsibility for our behavior, don't we?

Ben Johnson got screwed. Others have done and never got caught.

No'one exploded out of those blocks like Ben, he looked like a panther waiting to pounce on It's prey, he gave us a glimpse of the future of what times humans would achieve.

In a 100 m dash you are as good to win as good you start. Here Ben is legend. Nobody could win him except they joined in drugs as initial 5 feet distance can't be overtaken in so short span. Check all the startings, Ben had that. That kind of start, skill of Maradona can't be created by drugs. Those officials are totally nonsense.

Not one finger pointing at Lewis in this documentary. That doesn't seem right.

He was used as the scapegoat for so many.

Respect to Ben Johnson fastest runner ever

Ben Johnson, the best 100m sprinter to have ever lived! I think history is certainly proving how wrongly he was treated knowing what we do about all the others....

Carl Lewis tested positive for several PEDs in the run up to the Olympics but it was not widely publicised and he was not punished. Would have been good if the documentary had mentioned this.

Perfect video title.

I’m reminded of the adage “ everybody else is doing it…” That viewpoint can make you think you’re a target, and more recently and worse, the victim of racism. You can own it and blame yourself then regrow or continue holding others accountable.

Even in that race 6 out of 8 athletes were tested positive. Why IOC didn'tt ban them. Even Carl Lewis was tested positive in 1988 Olympic trials and also after that final race, Christie was also tested positive even after his last race and during his career but IOC didn't stripped their medal. That's why athletic had faced so much controversy and criticism even the interest of people's for this sport. I don't know which rules of doping are IOC following.

To be honest ,after years of scrutiny ,you could probly reinstall him as gold medalist ,as it's been found that all of them had cheated ,just he got caught at the time ,

I completely feel bad for Ben Johnson because a majority of the athletes were doing the exact same thing. However saying that he did not know what he was taking he knowingly accepted and took what his coach gave him it is his responsibility as an athlete to do the research no matter how old he is. I did extensive research as an athlete as young as 14 years old & up.

Remember, every runner in that race went on to have their own steroid scandal. Yes even Carl Lewis

It was still a great race!

When Ben's mom told his coach that he gets nothing without a contract, they were really going to be doomed from there..He introduced the drugs to Ben, and then turned on him.

One should never make vanity loose his humanity. Cause all is vanity and vexation to the spirit.

Johnson was the man. Yes he cheated, but so did the others... And look how far behind they are... Have a look at the technical perfection ! If there are two races to remember, this one is the first one. The second one saw Bolt running the 100 meters in 9.58 s.

They all owe Ben an apology. It's disgusting

lol the lady who tries to say steriods are ok and it wasn't a big deal is crazy!!

Ben is a legend !

Ben Johnson was just more honest than others

All because he whooped Carl Lewis !!!

He's from the same place in Jamaica where Bolt is from....Falmouth, Trelawney

That era was amazing. He busted out of the gates like a bat out of hell. Shame he was exploited.

Whats interesting about Ben to me is that from a biomechanical standpoint no-one - even to this day has ever been able to replicate Bens Jump-start. This, he was able to do even before he started taking steroids, so its not based on that - it just something technically he was able to do well that others could not do, and still cant do.

"Catch me if you can"-Ben As ive gotten older, i used to dislike steroids in sports. Until it can be eradicated truly and entirely i support people who 'get caught'. Theyre all on it. The chinese are the best at it but they all do it. Look at carl lewis jaw with braces. Does anyone think that happens normally ten plus years after puberty?

That time is still sick though. That being said, if you don't follow the rules this happens. You can say all you want everyone's doing it, but they didn't get caught buddy. Do I feel bad for Ben? Yes. I am an American, and I cheer for Americans, but not in this case, I do feel Johnson is better than Lewis; that being said, Ben Johnson made a choice, and if you make those choices you know the risks. By the way of course he will raise suspicious, look how jacked up he is!

Brad Johnson is so Great!

Still the best race. Love Ben.

What a performance Ben!

Jamaicans are winning gold in every Olympics these days...

The fall of Benjamin S Johnson set the stage for the Jamaican sprint renaissance that brought about Usain S L Bolt, et al., wherein the virtues of the Commonwealth track & field development program could be aptly contrasted against the ad hoc bourgeoisie usa track & field development program.

"Big deal." I agree with the lady 100%, Ben's just the one who got caught.

Johnson could not break 10.1 until he got dirty.they just helped him more than others

Fall guy for the entire Olympic.inc

I watch this as a kid .. I was crushed .. I couldn’t believe Carl Lewis could lose

Forza ben Johnson💪

got out of bed in the middle of the night in the Netherlands because I had to see this. I was all for Johnson and all against Carl Lewis. I left a note for my mother that said: Ben! When I woke up a few hour later I put on the radio and heard that he got caught doped. I just felt so sad for him.

Check his runs in Scotland at the start of his career, he was barely running 10 and under, then within a year, boom, its easy to tell with cheating athletes, they suddenly start improving

Ben is the best

THIS IS WERE BEN GOT CAUGHT! DID YOU SEE THE LOOK IN CARL EYES! WHATEVER CARL GOT SMOKED. 6 21.

Carl Lewis is there acting like an angel. The whole truth will be exposed soon enough

Lewis was on them too and privately tested positive prior to Seoul. There’s an interview on KZfaq tube from an American sports scientist that warned Lewis to taper before those Olympics. Johnson was just the scapegoat…

And Carl Lewis along with many others got away with it. They had slightly more expensive drugs. Pity though BJ couldn’t be more honest about what he was doing

...and yet at the same time Lewis walks away with the gold (even after running in Linfords lane 3 times during that final and also taking illegal stuf) and Flo Joe also keeps her gold,...and if you think she wasn't on something then you're a flat earth believer, 2 yanks walk away with gold and undeservingly so.

He was the best 100 metre runner at that time

Johnson is Jamaican descendant of the most rebelious in Africa the ones who would fight and run if they had too you wouldn't catch them it's no coincidence that Bolt Pwell Fraiser Price and Thompson-Herah are dominant it's their genes they were born to do it.

Crossed by the greatest hypocrisy ever seen in sport. Carl Lewis, Linford Christie both Olympic gold medalists were caught in doping. The American with a physicist wide open by Anabilziantes (Florence Griffith-Joyner) was never caught. Ridiculous. For me Ben will be remembered for being an extremely strong runner with a strong start and after getting upright to increase his speed and be steady, something no sprinter in the world has ever done. Bolt starts poorly, but Bolt is on another level. Ben was 20 years ahead of his time.

Tell em you identify as a sprinter who uses steroids and you don’t appreciate their prejudice 😁. ( apply 2021 crazy to the argument)

Bigwigs in the Canadian Federal gov't knew all along, stayed silent while reaping publicity and personal advantages while Ben was gettting juiced by some eastern caribbean pseudo-physician. All those Ottawa and Toronto types ran away like roaches on that infamous Sept 27th day.

Just like Jose Canseco said: JUICED! Its a cat and mouse game. If you don't get caught then you win. If you're caught, there goes your integrity and your future.

Total injustice. Ben is the greatest sprinter that ever lived. If he had not turned around to taunt Carl Lewis he would have run a 9.69 that day in Seoul. Intergalactic stuff.

seoul didn't ruin Johnson... its like saying tour de france de france ruin lance armstrong

I remember this, I’m 55, well” if everyone cheats, I guess his Wife is cheating on him right now 👍🏽😂😂 when he won the Gold he was Canadian 🇨🇦 when he got caught using drugs” he became Jamaican again 🇯🇲 😂😂😂

El y Jesse Owens son los 2 mejores velocistas y mas espectaculares de todos los tiempos.

Everybody cheats...Thanks for the advice Ben

Oh, what a juicy athlete!