FOF09 Sports & Supplements a Controversial Mix

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—Doug Logan, CEO of USA Track & Field, had harsh words for attendees of the Focus on the Future executive conference, held here in mid-January, accusing the dietary supplement industry of helping to “braid the noose” of performance-enhancing drugs that threatens his sport.

Logan added he believed the dietary supplement industry has consistently lobbied against any federal regulation, an assertion challenged by industry execs in attendance. Several members of the audience cited examples of how the industry is regulated, how it has lobbied for regulations such as mandatory reporting of serious adverse events, and for additional funding for FDA.

Logan also explained his plans to battle the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports, focused primarily on creating a “cultural shift” toward zero tolerance for drugs in sports.

“Some might question why we would bring in a speaker with such negative views of our industry,” said session moderator Jon Benninger, business development director at Virgo Publishing, the sponsor of Focus on the Future. “But USA Track & Field has influence over more than 100,000 athletes and it is important for the supplement industry to hear what its leadership thinks. And industry needs to work to address the legitimate concerns and to correct the misconceptions.”

Logan noted he would welcome a dialogue with industry and would work with the industry to address issues of concern. He said it is paramount for industry to be able to offer dietary supplements that could be guaranteed to be free of banned substances.