Over Training Syndrome and British Swimming
A question of whether Over Training Syndrome and poor performance of our swimmers can really be identified as a mental illness.
(PRWEB) August 29, 2005 -- In light of the recent lacklustre performance of
our British swimmers at the World Championships in Montreal, it could not be
said that British swimming is living up to expectations.
Traditionally
Team GB has done well in the pool, with several medal winners and even world
record holders. What can possibly be the cause of such disappointing
performances from some of Britain’s most promising young swimmers? What could be
behind the sudden fall from grace of Mel Marshall, fastest in the world last
year, who then suddenly at the Olympics was nowhere to be seen. Alas it is not
just one isolated individual either, Katy Sexton, too, has by her standards been
underachieving. If we listen to the psychiatrist, he will tell you it is “Over
Training Syndrome!”
The Psychiatrists’ PR bandwagon has been rolling out
across the nation trumpeting the fact that “Over Training Syndrome” (OTS) can be
diagnosed for our swimming elite.
Barry Turner, Lecturer in Medical
Ethics and Law at the University of Lincoln recently stated “For years
psychiatry has propagated a myth that mental illness is biological and has even
gone so far in may cases to deny that we are creatures of free will at all. For
years those who refuse to accept this dogma have asked them for evidence, not
conjecture, to support this position. It has not been forthcoming and the best
they have ever been able to come up with are "maybes", "possiblies" and "we
believe". Not one piece of real evidence has ever been adduced and it places
this branch of 'science' in the same category as that that searches for the Yeti
and the Sasquatch, except of course that those who believe in Yetis and
Sasquatches have never had access to the vast research funds that the
biopsychiatry fraternity have”.
We have fine swimmers in our midst and
whilst it cannot be denied that there are some changes and challenging times
ahead for all of us connected with the sport whether it be by direct involvement
or as a spectator, we do not need the added strain of having to contend with the
psychiatrist and his spurious mental disorders as well.
Chris Wrapson
(Volunteer)
Citizens Commission on Human Rights Birmingham
0121 523 8185
or 07793 285 784
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/8/prweb277772.htm