Luigi59 Rebuttal
Wow. Recognizing that everyone must have been a "first time poster", is it not a bit condescending to assume a "first time poster" has nothing significant to contribute? I hope not. Since Luigi59 threw down the gauntlet, a comprehensive response is in order.
Luigi59 tossed out the name Rebekah Keat along with a Civil Suit filed in California (30-2007-00100704-CU-PL-CJC) as evidence that Hammer Nutritional products are contaminated. Impressive. But would it not be more impressive to go beyond a simple Google search and a headline summary?
Before we trash the name of what many believe to be an outstanding company, should we not dig just a little deeper? Here's a summary of the case chronology, facts and conclusions -- all of which can and should be verified by the reader.
In 2002, Canadian Mike Vine fails a drug screen after the Xterra Off-Road Triathlon. Mr. Vine does not immediately contest the findings, and does not supply the governing/testing body with samples of anything nutritional products he may have been using.
In May of 2003, Amber Neben, a cyclist on the T-Mobil team, fails her drug screen after the Montreal World Cup Race. Citing from her Arbitration Case (AAA No. 30 190 00713 03), "Dr. Roberts...analyzed fourteen (14) supplements Respondent had taken, including Zinc and Hammer Nutrition Products. All samples tested negative."
Citing from Triathlete Magazine: "She tested positive in Quebec. All of her team mates were tested and using the same product from the same containers, and none tested positive." Oops.
In November of 2004, Rebekah Keat fails her drug screen after winning the Western Australian Ironman. Citing from her Final Arbitrol Award, Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS 2005/A/879: "The Appellant, at the initial hearing, was unable to produce... evidence as to how the prohibited substance had enteredher system." And "Her long time sponsor has no reputation for producing contaminated products and its products are widely distributed in Australia."
In 2006, a full TWO YEARS after the failed drug screen, Keat suddenly presents an open bottle of Hammer Endurolyte to a WADA (World AntiDopping Association) lab for testing. Surprise! The sample is found to be contaminated. You don't have to be be Nick Stokes of CSI Las Vegas to question THAT chain of custody. If you failed a drug screen, would you not immediately turn over everything (i.e. toothpaste, sunscreen, protein power, etc) to the testing lab?
And finally, let's dive into the civil court case identified by Luigi59. Visit the Southern California Clerk of Court Website, and search on the plaintiffs name. On 8/9/11, the "Court orders the entire action dismissed without prejudice."
Hammer Nutrition has been in business for 27 years. Their products are highly acclaimied by professional endurance athletes all over the world. In 27 years, a single OPEN bottle of contaiminated product was identified in Australia, TWO YEARS after the athlete failed her wiz quiz. How convenient.
Am I pushing Hammer products? Hardly. The only thing I push is myself -- lifting 3x per week and logging 60 - 70 miles per week. At just 5'8" and 110#, I simply can't consume enough solid food to offset the 5000 calories I burn per day. If you train like a semi-pro athlete, qualify supplementation is required to prevent your body from breaking down.
I recommend that all readers apply the Ronald Regan axiom "Trust but Verify". Validate the information I've offered. Talk to NCAA coaches (as I have). Train hard. Use your head. Live Clean.
Thus endith my second post.