British Triathlon are committed to ensuring that athletes recognise that doping not only interferes with the integrity of the sport, but it also can have severe health and social consequences.
The health of competitors at all level of competition is an utmost priority and this is why clean sport matters.
Substances and methods used to dope can lead to severe health issues or even death.
Taking steroids can produce:
- Acne
- Increased aggression and mood swings
- Libido disorders
- High blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular and liver disease
- Psychological dependence
- Increased risk of contracting hepatitis and HIV from needle use
- For males: impotence, infertility, breast enlargement, premature baldness
- For females: development of male features such as deepening voice, excessive hair growth on the face and body, and foetal damage in pregnancy.
Taking Human Growth Hormone can result in:
- Diabetes in prone individuals
- Worsening of cardiovascular diseases
- Muscle, joint and bone pain
- Hypertension and cardiac deficiency
- Abnormal growth of organs
- Accelerated osteoarthritis.
By thickening the blood, EPO abuse can lead to an increased risk of several deadly diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and cerebral or pulmonary embolism.
Recreational drugs:
Use of recreational or social drugs is banned in sport. Whilst an athlete can be in a compromising situation with peers outside sport, it’s important for athletes to recognise that social drugs such as cannabis can be detrimental to sporting performance and result in a positive test result weeks later.
