The spotlight is once again on a banned substance that the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA (in coordination with the International Olympic Committee) has included on their anti-doping list. USA 2008 Team swimmer, Jessica Hardy’s two positive test results for a banned stimulant (Clenbuterol) was reported by the AP Wednesday, July 23, 2008. An earlier test had produced a negative result.
Clenbuterol has several uses. For one, it is prescribed as a bronchodilator to be used in the treatment of breathing disorders such as asthma. It is similarly used in the veterinary field for horses.
More controversial, and the reason for the ban in organized sports, is the use by athletes to rapidly lose weight, increase muscle mass, and decrease fat. It does this by increasing the rate at which fat and protein are used up in the body. Because of this, it is commonly seen in the body-building community. The use of this stimulant has been seen in other sports as well. Several baseball players have admitted to the use of clenbuterol.
Clenbuterol works much like Ephedrine but the desired effects last for days in comparison to the hours of effectiveness for Ephedrine.
Direct use of this drug is most common, but in 2006, ironically, 330 people in Shanghai may have been poisoned by eating pork contaminated by Clenbuterol that had been fed to the animals to increase the leanness of the meat.
In response to the positive banned substance tests, Hardy (by way of her agent) has admitted to no wrongdoing and her stance is that she has not cheated. It is unknown if Hardy will appeal the findings. Even if she appeals, the likliehood of her being able to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics is low. First time offenders are typically banned for two years.
Hardy was already entered into the 100 breast, the 50 freestyle and 400 free relay by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
The list of banned stimulants is lengthy. For athletes, familiarity with all of the substances is crucial. Knowledge of the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is useful for those athletes that have medical conditions which require daily medication as some of these substances can be used in certain situations.
For more information about anti-doping issues:
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
The Official website of the Olympic Movement
A Guide to the World Anti-Doping Code
Performance Enhancing Medications and Drugs of Abuse
Clenbuterol has several uses. For one, it is prescribed as a bronchodilator to be used in the treatment of breathing disorders such as asthma. It is similarly used in the veterinary field for horses.
More controversial, and the reason for the ban in organized sports, is the use by athletes to rapidly lose weight, increase muscle mass, and decrease fat. It does this by increasing the rate at which fat and protein are used up in the body. Because of this, it is commonly seen in the body-building community. The use of this stimulant has been seen in other sports as well. Several baseball players have admitted to the use of clenbuterol.
Clenbuterol works much like Ephedrine but the desired effects last for days in comparison to the hours of effectiveness for Ephedrine.
Direct use of this drug is most common, but in 2006, ironically, 330 people in Shanghai may have been poisoned by eating pork contaminated by Clenbuterol that had been fed to the animals to increase the leanness of the meat.
In response to the positive banned substance tests, Hardy (by way of her agent) has admitted to no wrongdoing and her stance is that she has not cheated. It is unknown if Hardy will appeal the findings. Even if she appeals, the likliehood of her being able to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics is low. First time offenders are typically banned for two years.
Hardy was already entered into the 100 breast, the 50 freestyle and 400 free relay by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
The list of banned stimulants is lengthy. For athletes, familiarity with all of the substances is crucial. Knowledge of the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is useful for those athletes that have medical conditions which require daily medication as some of these substances can be used in certain situations.
For more information about anti-doping issues:
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
The Official website of the Olympic Movement
A Guide to the World Anti-Doping Code
Performance Enhancing Medications and Drugs of Abuse
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