Posted on May 17, 2010.
The war against doping in sport Despite the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play which we have been presented as children, sometimes we just do not learn. The reality is that the attraction of fame and fortune to be a champion athlete, is too much of a lure for athletes dishonest. To obtain the recognition and all the attributes associated with being a winner, the cheaters will try to tilt the advantage in their favor by using doping products. Unfortunately, cheaters have always been ahead in the game of cat and mouse with the anti-doping agency that tests for banned substances. However, it promises to be another story for the upcoming Olympic Games as a more sophisticated tests have been developed. The methods of doping that was once impossible to detect are turning up positive. The war against cheaters is expected a large number of disgraced athletes being sent home early.
In anticipation of what the athletes of doping violations will be taken with, here is a list of common substances used for athletes to cheat.
Steroids
Anabolic steroids are perhaps the best known performance-enhancing substance. Many athletes have been caught using this type of hormones to increase muscle mass, strength and physique. It also has the ability to help heal wounds faster.
EPO
Erythropoietin, or EPO, because it is more commonly called is a hormone that is made in the liver and kidneys to produce red blood cells. A synthetic version is also used by athletes to increase endurance. Since red blood cells carry oxygen it gives a clear advantage in endurance competitions.
Human Growth Hormone
As its name suggests, the human growth hormone is a hormone that stimulates growth. It also has the ability to stimulate cell reproduction. It is therefore not surprising that athletes will try to reproduce the same effects of the hormone from an external source. HGH helps pack on muscle and decrease recovery time from intense workouts.
The above performance enhancing substances are all synthetic versions of naturally occurring hormones in the body. However, this is not the only substances that are being tested. The athletes are also very capable of abusing prescription drugs as well. medicine against colds could be used as a stimulant acetaminophen to mask the pain of alcohol to calm nerves and reduce the weight diretics. The list is long to ensure fair competition.
Given all the ways to cheat, it is not surprising that the anti-doping agency for athletes should improve their methods of detection of performance enhancing substances. It is with mixed feelings in the next Olympics to see who gets caught. However, for those who participated but hard enough, they will finally be recognized for all their achievements. They are truly deserving of their fame.
