Performance Enhancing Drugs History

The purpose of this essay is to look at the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sport, its history and how athletes and officials are addressing their use today. Further, I will look at how organizations such as the National Sport Organizations of Canada (specifically Synchro Canada) are working to reduce the use of PEDs and instead focus on the value of ‘pure sport’ through nutrition, proper sleep and training as a more effective and fulfilling way to enhance the sport experience. Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) have been a part of sport culture since the time of the ancient Greeks. Various herbs were used as stimulants and hallucinogens so athletes would not feel hungry or as tired and thus perform better. The Romans also used similar herbs on their horses during chariot races. This was done all in search of ways to secure a win, no matter the cost. Fast forward to the start of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, PEDs had evolved into the use of cocaine, heroin and caffeine being mixed together …show more content…
Currently all Canadian National Sport Organizations have anti-doping policies as part of their high performance athlete agreements. They encompass the use of PEDs and the commitment of being honest and fair in sport. Within my own sport of Synchronized Swimming, the athlete agreement states in part, “Comply with all requirements established by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) regarding doping control rules and protocols; Athletes should conduct themselves in a sportsman-like manner and respect fellow athletes, coaches, staff, officials, and the achievement of opponents; Athletes must not use tobacco or non-performance enhancing but controlled or restricted drugs in any form; Athletes must not permit their physical ability, mood, or behaviour to be altered or affected by the use of alcohol or other