The history behind doping
The history of doping all began in 776 to 383 BC in ancient Greece, the use of drug enhancing substances began at the first Olympic games, where athletes were rewarded with cash and olive wreaths for performing well. In an attempt to improve their performance, Greeks experimented with herbal medicines, drinking wine potions including
hallucinogens and eating animal heart in search of strength to improve their performance. Gladiators up and till 100 AD used stimulants and hallucinogens to prevent injury and fatigue. In the 1904-1920 PED’s (performance enhancing drugs) were commonly used among athletes, including heroin and cocaine mixtures (before they became available only through prescription). Caffeine was also widely used among athletes. Each coach or team developed their own unique formula of drugs, specific to the sport and their athletes. The world's football and cycling governing bodies were the first to introduce doping tests in 1966 at the world championships. Following this, most global federations implemented drug testing by the 1970s.
The history of doping all began in 776 to 383 BC in ancient Greece, the use of drug enhancing substances began at the first Olympic games, where athletes were rewarded with cash and olive wreaths for performing well. In an attempt to improve their performance, Greeks experimented with herbal medicines, drinking wine potions including
hallucinogens and eating animal heart in search of strength to improve their performance. Gladiators up and till 100 AD used stimulants and hallucinogens to prevent injury and fatigue. In the 1904-1920 PED’s (performance enhancing drugs) were commonly used among athletes, including heroin and cocaine mixtures (before they became available only through prescription). Caffeine was also widely used among athletes. Each coach or team developed their own unique formula of drugs, specific to the sport and their athletes. The world's football and cycling governing bodies were the first to introduce doping tests in 1966 at the world championships. Following this, most global federations implemented drug testing by the 1970s.