Question

2. Provide for me a brief history of drugs (specifically performance enhancers) at the Olympic Games. What were some of the events that galvanized the Olympic Movement and forced it to closely examine the issue of performance enhancers at their games? Why and how has this been significant to the Olympic Movement?

Answer 1

History of drugs (specifically performance enhancers) at the Olympic Games:

The performance enhancers tactics are those external narcotics which enhances the performance by taking externally to the body are also known as PEDs. The drug amphetamine which can caused to lose consciousness is used by the Danish Cyclist. The alcohol (beer) was used by the Swedish player Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall at the 1968 Summer Olympics. It steady the nerves’ of the player. Due to this he lost his bronze medal. During East German Olympic teams of the 1970s and 1980s, number of female swimmers in East German female athletes, had taken anabolic steroids and other drugs by their coaches and trainers. It was the serious concern as they were at the age of 11 years. American female swimmers Shirley Babashoff was banned due to consumption of sour grapes. A steroid stanozolol used Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who won the Men's 100 meters.

Some of the events that galvanized the Olympic Movement and forced it to closely examine the issue of performance enhancers at their games are as follows:

1. East German sports federation systematic program for giving its athletes steroids from 1974 to 1989.

2. East German women suddenly dominated events such as swimming, winning medals in 11 of 13 events both in 1976 and 1980. They had consumed steroids.

This has been significant to the Olympic movement as the main goal of Olympic Movement is

1. To contribute peaceful and better world by education of sports to youth through practice in accordance with Olympism.

2. To values its sports.