Doping/Drug use

Examples of drug use in sports

Russian athletics 2015
US cyclist Lance Armstrong

What are some prohibited methods?

blood doping
gene doping
enhancement of O2

Classes of prohibited substances

alcohol
cannabinoids
local anaesthetics

Effect of anabolic steroids

train harder for longer
increase strength and aggression

Effect of beta blockers

control HR to calm down

Effect of stimulants

Brain stimulants
increase alertness

Effect of narcotic analgesics

treat/mask pain

Effect of anabolic agents

work and train harder for longer

Effect of diuretics

increase water expelled from body

Effect of masking agents

mask pain

Effect of peptide hormones

increase muscle mass
decrease body mass

Legal supplements

vitamins, minerals, bicarbonates

Advantages of legal supplements - drinks

some energy drinks stimulate thirst
enhance sporting performance

Disadvantages of legal supplements

some contain banned substances which catches athletes out
some legal aids are borderline illegal

Why do athletes take illegal supplements?

want to win, gain advantage, level playing field

Political pressure for doping

high pressure on athletes due to political pressure
eg. Russian Olympic scandal

1970s-1980s doping issues

East German state sponsored doping
success of German athletes in 1976 and 1980

Monetary rewards which leads to athletes doping

rewards for success can cause athletes to dope

Consequences of using drugs in sport

poor role modelling
danger to health
bans/fines

What is WADA?

world anti doping agency
founded 1999

What do WADA do?

independent body responsible for drug testing
funds research
controls what is banned or not

How is drug testing performed through urine samples?

urine samples split into 2 bottles
athlete completes medical declaration
sample A is tested, if positive sample B tested

Example of harsher punishments

WADA in 2015 doubling doping ban to 4 years