Olympic Marathoner High on Hornet Juice

Oct. 16, 2000 -- A Japanese marathon star who wonOlympic gold in Sydney got a crucial extra buzz by drinking thestomach juice of giant, killer hornets.

Naoko Takahashi, who became a national heroine by winning thewomen’s marathon, drank the unusual beverage before and duringthe race after Japanese scientists found it gave an astonishingboost to human performance.

The drink, being 100 percent natural, does not fall foul ofOlympic laws against performance-enhancing drugs.

Reduces Muscle Fatigue

Scientists at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Researchnear Tokyo found the juice helped the three-inch (8 cm) longhornets to fly the equivalent of more than two marathons insearch of food — and had a similar effect on humans.

The juice reduced muscle fatigue and improved the body’sefficiency, according to scientists. “We are delighted that the fruits of our research have beenrecognized through Naoko Takahashi’s success,” a spokesman for the institute said today.

Japanese Firm Now Markets Bee Juice

A Japanese firm, Meiji Milk Products, has reproducedthe raw juice and is now marketing it as an energy drink.

Takahashi was the first Japanese woman to win an Olympicathletics gold. The government said last week it was planning topresent her with the rarely bestowed People’s Honor Award.