i know some of you have read about this already, but former world #1 and many-time champion Martina Hingis retired a couple of days ago, after being allegedly tested as positive for cocaine usage.

cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that produces profound feelings of pleasure or a heightened state of self-confidence and euphoria. unlike steroids, which are composed of certain hormones that can enhance certain physical capabilities of athletes, cocaine does nothing of the sort for athletes.

for an athlete, anything unnecessary is deemed harmful; and even if it helps, a true athlete would rather play in the spirit of the game than win it at all costs. Martina, a top-class player and a proven winner, definitely knows this more than anyone else. she has denied the allegations, of course - and i believe her. my hope is that she be cleared of these accusations and that it will not undermine her on- and off-court achievements that make up for a legacy.

"My weapon on the tennis court is and always was one single thing: the game, the ingenuity on court. And for this style of tennis, there is only one performance enhancer - the love of the game." - Martina Hingis, in her official statement.

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errata:

in my entry "Sleep mode" last 2.11.07, four, not three friends of mine celebrated the first day of their new ages.

in another entry "Paranoia" last 26.10.07, the word is "fictitious," not "fictional".

enjoy your weekend.