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From hero to zero in 9.79 seconds: Scott Russell and the 1988 Seoul Olympics

CBC Radio | Posted: August 1, 2016 11:11 AM | Last Updated: August 1, 2016

Image | ATHLETICS/FRANCIS

Caption: Ben Johnson and his coach Charlie Francis during a workout in Toronto in July 1988. (REUTERS)

Photogallery | Back Story : Sports Scandals

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The men's 100-metre final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
It took Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson 9.79 seconds to smash a world record and win a gold medal.
A few days later the record and the medal would be gone, and Johnson would be one of the most hated men in Canada. And that final would come to be known as "the dirtiest race in history".
The CBC's Scott Russell was in Seoul to cover the 1988 Summer Olympics.
From the excitement of the games, to a nation's shame, this is Scott's Back Story.

Image | Ben Johnson running

Caption: Ben Johnson preparing for the men's 100-metre sprint ahead of the Seoul Olympics during a training session in Toronto, in July 1988. (Reuters)

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