HISTORY OF DRUG USE IN SPORT The Greeks had made sport an important part of their lifestyles by 800BC. It was both a cultural and religious observation of the time. Not only was there emphasis on the athletics but on artistic merit also. Participants were required as a rule to write poetry, as well as perform physical feats. There were rich prizes for winner. Writing from Plato reveal that the victory in the Ancient Olympics …showed first 75 words of 1405 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1405 total…classified as a doping offence involving testosterone/epitestosterone ratios illustrates that the debate is also ongoing. Other substances, such as ephedrine and caffeine, commonly occur in OTC medications, herbal preparations and even in social. There is no doubt that athletes are prepared to make use of these substances to assist in their performance. In many sports, increasing commercialism has seen a price put on an athlete’s head; some cope better with this than others.