Doping in Sport - Part 1

On April 24th, American pro triathlete Collin Chartier admits EPO use after a positive drug test. "Erythropoietin, known as EPO, is prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency regulations because it stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) and can modify the body’s capacity to transport oxygen, increasing stamina, and performance."

Although doping is prevalant in all competitive sports, triathlon has had a reputation of being a clean sport (in other words, athletes train and race without the use of performance enhancing drugs). However, the recent news of Chartier reminds us that triathlon is not immune to doping and there isn't enough testing and education. And while some athletes will intentionally cheat, many athletes are unaware of what is considered "banned" by WADA or believe that if they won't be tested, it doesn't matter what they do outside (or during) sport. 

Doping describes the act of using a banned substance to drastically alter the physiology of the human body - often used to improve performance. Justifying the use of a banned substance for financial reasons, mental health, to break a record or to level the playing field not only threatens the integrity of sports but athletes risk health problems or death. As a reminder, anti-doping rules are not just for fair and clean sport but also to protect the health of every athlete who is participating. 

Unfortunately, in every sport, there’s great temptation to use performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). Anabolic-androgenic steroids are used to improve physical appearance by building muscle. Clenbuterol and ostarine are widely popular to burn fat and build lean muscle mass. Human growth hormone and testosterone, commonly prescribed to older adults to combat the age-related decline of these hormones, which may improve muscle protein synthesis. All of these drugs are banned by WADA (World Anti Doping Agency).

Most sports require an athlete to comply with the World Anti-Doping Code, which is "designed to set forth a standard set of parameters within which athletes can participate in triathlons and compete in a positive atmosphere of equal opportunity." As an athlete, when you train for a race, you are agreeing that you 100% comply with the WADA code. These Rules are intended:

a. to promote and maintain sportsmanship, equal opportunity and fair play;
b. to encourage and reward individual performance and initiative;
c. to protect the health, safety, and well-being of participants;
d. to promote the integrity of sport and triathlon as a positive cultural force in modern day society; and
e. to foster the foregoing ideals through the establishment and enforcement of punitive rules.

With this being said, why do athletes take performance enhancing drugs?

The primary reasons include;
Therapeutic use for health.
Social and recreational use.
Performance enhancement.

In Part 2, I'll discuss each of these reasons in more detail. 

For more info: 
2023 Prohibited List
Recognize the Red Flags
High Risk Supplement List
TUE process