Let's Learn Together: Six Cooperative Learning Units

SPORTS DOCTOR (p. 30)

Many people think that only a few coaches and trainers continue to obtain and give steroids to their athletes, and that still fewer athletes would dare to use them. But some athletes are so eager for victory or a championship that they'll risk possible health damage to achieve their goal. Drug testing of athletes competing in Olympic events has become mandatory. Unfortunately, even though the athletes know that they will be tested, they still try to get away with taking certain drugs that are hard to detect. In spite of this, many athletes are getting caught. These disqualified athletes face the possibility of lengthy suspensions.

The following is the opinion of the sports doctor of a gymnast. The gymnast was sent home after testing positive for anabolic steroids.

1. I have been working as this gymnast's doctor for the last five years. I am being accused of giving her an anabolic steroid. The steroid they accuse me of giving her is illegal for athletes to take. But I have never given her any illegal drugs. She did pull a hamstring a few months ago before the Olympics and I was giving her some medicine along with her therapy to help relieve the injury. The drugs I prescribed were therapeutic corticasteroids. These are legal. I notified the International Olympic Committee about this treatment before the games.

2. Why would I give her an anabolic steroid when I know it can be detected by a drug test? Anabolic steroids are also very dangerous psychologically and physically. Psychologically, steroids can be addictive. The athlete may become so dependent on the drug's uplifting and body-building capabilities, that she feels unable to compete without their help.

3. Physically, these steroids upset the body's chemistry and hormonal balance. They jam the system with extra testosterone and increase the risk of heart attacks because they cause the arteries to harden and thicken. Anabolic steroids cause the body to retain too much water, which increases blood pressure. In turn, this can also lead to a heart attack or stroke. Moreover, these steroids increase the risk of cancerous tumors in the liver and possibly in the kidneys, as well as breast cancer in women. Eventually, these steroids can even destroy muscle tissue.

4. If people just looked at my patient, they would know she has not been taking these steroids. She shows no signs of masculinity such as weight gain, a deepened voice, rough skin or a moustache. These are some of the side effects that occur when taking this drug.

5. I wanted my patient to win, but I didn't want it badly enough to jeopardize my career. My licence to practice medicine is at stake. It could be taken from me if by some absurd chance they find me guilty. I have worked hard to get where I am.

6. My patient is a great gymnast and athlete. She doesn't need to use drugs to enhance her performance. She has risen to where she is because of her own physical strength, not because of using banned steroid drugs. I don't give banned steroids to my athletes because they have harmful side effects which could damage them for life.