Doping (sport)

In sports, doping refers to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids, particularly those that are forbidden by the organizations that regulate competitions. Some doping substances, however, are permitted in low doses (alcohol and caffeine). Another form of doping is blood doping, either by blood transfusion or use of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). Also considered "doping" by many is the use of substances that mask other forms of doping.

Reaction from sports organisations

The International Amateur Athletics Federation, now the International Association of Athletics Federations, were the first international governing body of sport to take the situation seriously. In 1928 they banned participants from doping, but with little in the way of testing available they had to rely on the word of the athlete that they were clean.

Related Topics:
International Association of Athletics Federations - Sport - 1928 - Athlete

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It was not until 1966 that FIFA (football (soccer)) and Union Cycliste Internationale (cycling) joined the IAAF in the fight against drugs, closely followed by the International Olympic Committee the following year.

Related Topics:
1966 - FIFA - Football (soccer) - Union Cycliste Internationale - Cycling - International Olympic Committee

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Progression in pharmacology has always outstripped the ability of sports federations to implement rigorous testing procedures but since the creation of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 1999 more and more sportspeople are being caught.

Related Topics:
Pharmacology - World Anti-Doping Agency - 1999

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The first tests for athletes were at the 1966 European Championships and two years later the IOC implemented their first drug tests at both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Anabolic steroids became prevalent during the 1970s and after a method of detection was found they were added to the IOC's prohibited substances list in 1976.

Related Topics:
1966 - Summer - Winter Olympics - Anabolic steroid - 1970s

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