Q: During the Olympic Games in Atlanta there were cases of athletes being tested positive for doping. What does this mean?
A: The term 'doping' refers to the use of chemicals, synthetic or naturally occuring substances which artificially improve the physical and/or psychological condition of an athlete before or during an event. This definition is based on pharmacological classes of agents with a list of examples. These substances are usually classified in six categories, namely: stimulants, narcotics and analgesics (pain-killers), anabolic steroids, beta-blockers (heart drugs), diuretics and peptide hormones. Other examples are alcohol, local anaesthetics and corticosteroids.
All in all, more than 200 substances have been banned by the International Olympic Committee and other international sport organisations. The banning of these substances should be done in accordance with guidelines set down by the IOC following their well-established testing procedures. The use of modern, extremely sensitive equipment enable relevant authorities to determine virtually beyond doubt if an athlete has been using an illegal substance. Today, testing for banned substances is an integral part of most major sporting events.
