Performance Enhancements in Sports

            With the New Year upon us it always gives us a time to look back at the recent past events either in our lives, our businesses or our interests.  I was directed to a CNBC video called “The Biggest Plays in Sports Business”.  While I don’t necessarily agree with all of the assessment, the one thing that I do agree with is how Performance Enhancing Drugs have played a roll in the last decade of all sports, not just Major League Baseball or Cycling. 

            Performance Enhancing Drugs have been around going back to 1886 and have just become more popular in the recent decade with increased financial incentives to outperform the competition.   In 2008, Sports Illustrated wrote a timeline that really puts things into perspective on when the increase in usage became apparent. Reading this makes me more frustrated that we now question every athlete’s performance especially those that define all odds or records.

Running, Cycling, and Swimming have been hit the hardest and the earliest with some of the biggest names in their respective sports.  Rumors have swarmed around Lance Armstrong and his usage, if even by association, during his 7 years as the Tour de France winner.  Since the Tour de France is one of the most grueling events in professional sports it makes sense that the athletes must use something to excel and power through.  How else can you go 20 days on a bicycle for over 3,479 kilometers or over 2,162 miles? 

As a marathoner who is participating in the Disney Marathon this weekend, I can see how more and more amateurs are walking in the footsteps of the professionals and are looking for the next edge.  Those in the front of the pack will look for ways to make it into the elite marathons like Boston, and those in the back are looking for a edge to keep them going for over 5 hours or to ensure that they are not swept by the sweeper bus.

This need for increased performance enhancements is articulated very well by a quote from the Association Against Steroid Abuse. “The most common reason for steroid abuse in sports is desire to excel. These drugs are a particular enticement when faced with the pressures felt at the high school and amateur levels.

They are often seen as a necessary step towards college scholarships and progression towards the professional ranks. Steroid abuse has been speculated to be even worse at these levels than in professional sports.”

            As I run the Disney Marathon, I will be proud to know that I am not one of the amateur athletes who is running with the help of Performance Enhancing Drugs, but will be powered through by my own training and a “Runner’s High”. 

            Now if we could all get everyone from the amateur athlete to the professional to perform drug free we can show our kids the real meaning of “This is your body off drugs”.