By Matt Hart

This is an exposé of the elite running program sponsored by Nike shoes. The program was called the Nike Oregon Project, coached by Alberto Salazar. Nike spent millions on the program, which included the gold and silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the 10,000 meters by Salazar-coached runners Mo Farah and Galen Rupp.

There were long-standing rumors about suspicious methods by Alberto Salazar and his coterie of coaches and physicians. The United States Anti-Doping Agency would eventually get involved and suspend both Alberto Salazar and Jeffrey Brown, a Houston-based endocrinologist, who regularly supplied drugs to Salazar-coached athletes.

Based on extensive research and especially interviews by former athletes Adam and Kara Goucher, along with interviews of The Woodlands-based track coach Steve Magness, Hart uncovers layers of secrecy, deception and harassment.

Some of the activities were in the gray zone, but others crossed the lines of legality and honesty. Female athletes were harassed for their weight and all the athletes lived in a controlling environment.

This is a fascinating story, though a sad one, as you see the unfortunate consequences of a win-at-all-costs culture.