Drugs in sport Flashcards
What is blood doping?
The injection of oxygenated blood into an athlete before an event in an illegal attempt to enhance athletic performance – improves aerobic capacity (VO2 Max) and endurance. this involves removing blood and then re-transfusing it a few weeks later after the lost red blood cells have been replaced. *hard to detect
What are the physical effects of blood doping?
- Thickens blood
- Blood clotting
- Risk of heart disease or stroke
- HIV
- Forms of Hepatitis
- Increased blood pressure
What sports benefit from blood doping?
Running and cycling
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids are drugs which are derived from testosterone, which is a male hormone. Some are in tablet form and others are injected into muscle – used to increase muscle mass and strength. This helps an athlete to do a big session and recover very quickly.
What are the physical effects of anabolic steroids?
- Severe acne, oily skin and hair.
- Hair loss.
- Liver disease, such as liver tumors and cysts.
- Kidney disease.
- Heart disease, such as heart attack and stroke.
- Altered mood, irritability, increased aggression, depression
What sports benefit from steroids?
- Body-building
- NFL
- Rugby
How does using drugs effect an athlete and the sport?
Loss of reputation, sponsorship and income
Describe loss of reputation
A positive result in a drug test of an elite athlete often hits the media quickly. This means society may be label the athlete a ‘cheat’. An athlete may have spent a long time building a reputation, not just as a physically dominant athlete, but also off the field as many elite athletes are now held up as role models. This will all spiral downwards.
Describe loss of sponsorship
No companies will want to sponsor a cheat or someone who is negatively thought of in the public. Some sponsors also have terms and conditions towards cheating and drug use and can fine an athlete for negatively promoting their brand.
Describe loss of income
Once they have little sponsorship or they are suspended from the sport they have no form of income.
Why do athletes use drugs?
Athletes face enormous pressure to excel in competition. A star athlete can earn a lot of money and a lot of fame. Drugs can also boost strength, endurance and recovery
Drugs damage a sports reputation as it is illegal to take drugs. When the sport’s role models are breaking the law and using drugs, people aren’t going to want to watch or support the sport.
Athletes look for easy advantage. Although negatives outweigh the positives
What are the ethics linked to drugs in sport?
- Drugs are against the spirit of sport
- Severe health risks
- Unfair advantage
- Allowing drugs promotes unhealthy and dangerous behaviour
- Doesn’t show true ability
