- Outline the dangers to an athlete of using performance enhancing drugs. (3 marks)
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It is proposed that drug testing be introduced at the Australian championships for athletes who compete in a final.
- Discuss the introduction of drug testing at this level of the competition. (5 marks)
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i. Dangers of using performance enhancing drugs
- Performance enhancing drugs pose serious physical health risks including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances.
- Anabolic steroids can cause heart enlargement, increasing heart attack risk, while also disrupting natural hormone production.
- Athletes face legal consequences including competition bans, stripped titles and damaged reputations that affect sponsorship opportunities.
- Social dangers include loss of respect from peers, family disappointment and negative role model impact on younger athletes who may follow similar dangerous practices.
ii. Benefits of Drug Testing
- [P] Drug testing at Australian championships promotes fair competition and athlete safety.
- [E] Testing ensures all finalists compete on equal terms without artificial performance enhancement.
- [Ev] For example, athletes who train naturally deserve recognition without competing against those using banned substances.
- [L] This approach creates integrity in national-level competition where selection for international teams often occurs.
- [P] Drug testing educates athletes about banned substances and long-term health protection.
- [E] Early detection prevents serious health complications from prolonged drug use.
- [Ev] Testing programs include education about supplement contamination and prescription medication effects.
- [L] Therefore, athletes develop better awareness of substances that could inadvertently cause positive results.
Challenges of Drug Testing
- [P] Drug testing creates financial burden and logistical challenges for sporting organisations.
- [E] Testing procedures require significant funding for equipment, trained personnel, and laboratory analysis.
- [Ev] Smaller sports may struggle to afford comprehensive testing programs for championship events.
- [L] These costs may consequently reduce resources available for athlete development and grassroots programs.
- [P] Young athletes may face unfair consequences from accidental substance consumption.
- [E] Many athletes lack awareness about banned substances in everyday products like cough medicines.
- [Ev] Prescribed medications or contaminated supplements could result in positive tests despite no intentional cheating.
- [L] This creates potential career damage for innocent athletes at crucial development stages.
Show Worked Solution
i. Dangers of using performance enhancing drugs
- Performance enhancing drugs pose serious physical health risks including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances.
- Anabolic steroids can cause heart enlargement, increasing heart attack risk, while also disrupting natural hormone production.
- Athletes face legal consequences including competition bans, stripped titles and damaged reputations that affect sponsorship opportunities.
- Social dangers include loss of respect from peers, family disappointment and negative role model impact on younger athletes who may follow similar dangerous practices.
ii. Benefits of Drug Testing
- [P] Drug testing at Australian championships promotes fair competition and athlete safety.
- [E] Testing ensures all finalists compete on equal terms without artificial performance enhancement.
- [Ev] For example, athletes who train naturally deserve recognition without competing against those using banned substances.
- [L] This approach creates integrity in national-level competition where selection for international teams often occurs.
- [P] Drug testing educates athletes about banned substances and long-term health protection.
- [E] Early detection prevents serious health complications from prolonged drug use.
- [Ev] Testing programs include education about supplement contamination and prescription medication effects.
- [L] Therefore, athletes develop better awareness of substances that could inadvertently cause positive results.
Challenges of Drug Testing
- [P] Drug testing creates financial burden and logistical challenges for sporting organisations.
- [E] Testing procedures require significant funding for equipment, trained personnel, and laboratory analysis.
- [Ev] Smaller sports may struggle to afford comprehensive testing programs for championship events.
- [L] These costs may consequently reduce resources available for athlete development and grassroots programs.
- [P] Young athletes may face unfair consequences from accidental substance consumption.
- [E] Many athletes lack awareness about banned substances in everyday products like cough medicines.
- [Ev] Prescribed medications or contaminated supplements could result in positive tests despite no intentional cheating.
- [L] This creates potential career damage for innocent athletes at crucial development stages.