Anti-Dope Testing in Sport The History and the Science

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Anti-Dope Testing in Sport The History and the Science
Fromarry D. Bowers1   U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
This summer, as the XXX modern Olympic Games
and the XIV Summer Paralympic Games were held in
London, millions watched magnificent efforts from the
best athletes in the world. The ability of the athletes to
produce their best personal performances in the spotlight
and the pressure of the Olympic Games was a
testament to the human spirit. But, because the margin
between winning and losing is so small, one imprecisely
placed foot or hand, one moment of indecision, one
gust of wind at the wrong moment, and the gold medal
is gone.
Behind the scenes at these Olympics—properly so—
was a scientific team performing under great pressure
to ensure safe and fair competition by testing urine and
blood for traces of performance-enhancing prohibitedsubstances and methods. Their efforts were crucial,
because, in partnership with the clean athletes, they
support the integrity and the spirit of sport. More than
1000 samples were analyzed within a few days after each
event for stimulants, steroids, masking agents, recombinant
proteins like erythropoietin and growth hormone
(GH), and other substances on the World Anti-
Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List (1). The List
of Prohibited Substances and Methods is maintained by
a committee of internationally recognized scientists
and sport administrators. A revised list is released
annually by the WADA. In deciding whether to add a
compound or method to the list, the committee considers
whether there is potential to enhance performance;
a potential health risk for the athlete; or if use
of the substance or method violates the spirit of sport.
If two of the three criteria are met, the substance is
added to the Prohibited List.