Athletes' use of banned substances is a major concern in the world of sports. These substances, which are prohibited by governing bodies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), can give athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors and have serious health consequences.
Despite the risks, some athletes may be tempted to use banned substances to improve their performance.
However, there are also many cases where athletes may accidentally take banned supplements because they are unaware of the risks or other factors.
Here are seven ways in which athletes may accidentally take banned supplements:
- Unaware of the banned substance: Some banned substances can be found in over-the-counter medications and supplements, and athletes may accidentally take them without realising they are banned. For example, some cold and flu medicines contain substances that athletic organisations restrict.
- Taking a supplement labelled as "natural" or "herbal" without realising it contains a banned substance. Many supplements are marketed as natural or herbal, but they may still contain banned substances not disclosed on the label.
- Using contaminated supplements: Some supplements, particularly those not regulated by the FDA, may be contaminated with banned substances. This can happen when manufacturers do not follow proper manufacturing procedures or when the substances are added to the supplements intentionally.
- Misunderstanding labels: This happens when an athlete misreads the label on a supplement or medication and takes a banned substance by mistake. Particularly common when athletes are travelling and unfamiliar with the products' labels in a foreign country.
- Taking a supplement that a doctor prescribes without realising that it contains a banned substance.
- Some medications may contain prohibited substances, such as steroids, that are not disclosed on the label.
- Taking a supplement recommended by a coach, trainer, or another athlete without realising it contains a banned substance. Many athletes trust the advice of their coaches and trainers, but they may only sometimes be aware of the ingredients in the supplements they recommend.
- Taking a supplement that is not on the banned list but is similar to a banned substance. Some supplements may be similar in structure or composition to prohibited substances and may have similar effects, even if they are not on the banned list.
Unaware of the banned substance: Some banned substances can be found in over-the-counter medications and supplements, and athletes may accidentally take them without realising they are banned. For example, some cold and flu medicines contain substances that athletic organisations restrict.
Taking a supplement labelled as "natural" or "herbal" without realising it contains a banned substance. Many supplements are marketed as natural or herbal, but they may still contain banned substances not disclosed on the label.
Using contaminated supplements: Some supplements, particularly those not regulated by the FDA, may be contaminated with banned substances. This can happen when manufacturers do not follow proper manufacturing procedures or when the substances are added to the supplements intentionally.
Misunderstanding labels: This happens when an athlete misreads the label on a supplement or medication and takes a banned substance by mistake. Particularly common when athletes are travelling and unfamiliar with the products' labels in a foreign country.
Taking a supplement that a doctor prescribes without realising that it contains a banned substance.
Some medications may contain prohibited substances, such as steroids, that are not disclosed on the label.
Taking a supplement recommended by a coach, trainer, or another athlete without realising it contains a banned substance. Many athletes trust the advice of their coaches and trainers, but they may only sometimes be aware of the ingredients in the supplements they recommend.
Taking a supplement that is not on the banned list but is similar to a banned substance. Some supplements may be similar in structure or composition to prohibited substances and may have similar effects, even if they are not on the banned list.
Athletes must be aware of these risks and take steps to avoid accidentally taking banned supplements. This may include researching the ingredients in supplements, checking the banned list, and consulting with a doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.
Athletes need to be aware of the potential consequences of taking banned substances, including disqualification from competitions and damage to their reputation and the reputation of their sport.
By taking steps to avoid accidentally taking banned supplements, athletes can protect their health, their careers, and the integrity of their sport. Talk about how even a ban lasting a few years can end an athlete's career, especially in their prime.
Stopping competing can result in muscle loss and a change in body composition that would be hard/impossible to get back when they are allowed to compete again.
Why it is vital to avoid the risks of receiving bans
Even a brief ban from the competition can significantly impact an athlete's career, especially if they are in their prime.
When an athlete cannot compete, their body is no longer subjected to the same physical activity and competition levels. This can lead to muscle loss and changes in body composition, which can be difficult or even impossible to reverse once the athlete is allowed to return to competition.
For many athletes, the prime of their career is a narrow window of time during which they can perform at their highest level. If this window is interrupted by a ban, it can be difficult or impossible to regain the physical conditioning and competitive edge they previously had. In some cases, an athlete may never be able to return to their former level of performance, even after a ban is lifted.
Not only can a ban raise issues of body changes and loss of competitive edge, but in some cases, athletes are also banned from attending training grounds, stadiums and events, even as spectators.
This will strip an athlete from their social life as hard-working athletes who constantly work with teammates, and trainers would not be able to spend as much time with them anymore.
Although bans can range from weeks to years, athletes must take the necessary steps to avoid receiving them.
Athletes who had been caught accidentally doping
Being careful with choosing the right supplements has also shown to be crucial in avoiding bans, as shown by the case of CJ Ujah, a silver Olympic winner.
According to an article by the Guardian, CJ Ujah, an Olympic silver medal winner and his teammates on Britain's 4x100m relay team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been stripped of their silver medals after Ujah failed a doping test.
It was confirmed at a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in November that Ujah had two banned substances, ostarine and S-23, in a urine sample taken during the games.
Ujah blamed the failed test on a contaminated supplement, but under strict liability rules, that is not a defence.
If Ujah had been more careful in his choice of supplements and had only gone for supplements approved by trusted bodies, the medals may still be theirs.