Drug Testing Athletes—Is it Necessary?

Athletes are always put on a pedestal especially in today’s society. Those who excel in their respective field not only have sky-high salaries by th...


Athletes are always put on a pedestal especially in today’s society. Those who excel in their respective field not only have sky-high salaries by they also bag millions of dollars from product endorsements because they often get a lot of publicity. However, some athletes choose to take short cuts and exploit drugs to enhance their athletic abilities, they would think “why not?” as long as they’re getting significant incentives for it. This is why a lot of international sports federation requires drug-testing athletes.

Drug testing athletes is performed at various levels from collegiate athletes to Olympic games participants. Drug tests are conducted to identify if the athletes are taking performance-enhancing drugs and how far have they abused their body by taking these drugs. Drug testing results are so rigid and strict that anyone found violating the policy is not allowed joining the competition.

Drug testing athletes always submit urine specimen before and after competition. Sometimes a urine sample is not enough to detect other substance abuse, others are required to surrender a blood specimen. Though it seems like a very simple procedure, this process must be highly regulated and formally executed because if it results to a false positive an not only the athlete will suffer from its repercussions but also the sports federation.

In any case that the specimen is proven tampered, an athlete who lost his place, medal or accolade or endorsements may file a lawsuit against the federation. It’s why there are firm protocols in terms of handling and delivering the specimen to avoid any tamper of the proof.

Unluckily, there are still some athletes in all levels of sports competition who continues to use performance-enhancing drugs even if they are aware that it will jeopardize their careers and health. For example, Ben Johnson, the athlete who broke the 100 meter record in the 1988 Olympics with his bulging muscles got disqualified and never to be heard off again.

Drug testing athletes is important because it can restrict and prohibit drug use.

If athletes are constantly and randomly tested, they are prevented from using drugs. Drug testing athletes should be implemented always to avoid unfair competition.

Most significantly, these athletes health may be saved, by giving them a better life even after their competitive days.

Leave a Reply