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 Britains 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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