[sumo] [spoilers]Takanohana and steroid abuse

[Lynn Matsuoka]

"Scott M. Kahn" <smk1 at columbia.edu> wrote:
>Then again, some could argue that Takanohana's appearance was the result of
> depression over his lost love.


Yes, well that was the beginning of his psychological retreat. A Japanese
child and even more so, the son of his father, he was programmed to follow
anyway. In that state he could hardly go against the plans of others who
would direct his career. I could never ask the question of  his father, or
his mother: are these really YOUR wishes for your son? How many times I
wanted to, but it was just not my place to even broach the subject.
Lynn Matsuoka
The SUMO artist
www.traditions.jp

On 12/9/07 12:21 PM, "Scott M. Kahn" <smk1 at columbia.edu> wrote:

> Lynn,
> 
> Thank you for a fascinating, first hand account.  I remember when
> Takanohana was first engaged, and forced to part with Rie Miyazawa
> because she would not give up her career.  This dedication to the
> Kyokai, from your words, deeply affected him on the inside, and his
> position in sumo as the new royalty required his submission to the
> Kyokai.  I guess you are saying that if steroid abuse did occur, it
> was at the hands of his father and other handlers.  Then again, some
> could argue that Takanohana's appearance was the result of
> depression over his lost love.
> 
> Let's remember that the public outcry over steroid abuse began years
> later, it was overlooked at the time.  Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa
> were championed for their home run feats in the US even though it
> was obvious their performances were enhanced.
> 
> Sukubidubidu
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