Iraqi and Nigerian Athletes Suspended for Doping at Paris Olympics

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Iraqi and Nigerian Athletes Suspended for Doping at Paris Olympics

Iraqi and Nigerian Athletes Suspended for Doping at Paris Olympics

On July 30th, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced the first two doping cases of the Paris Olympics.

Sajjad Saheen of Iraq, competing in the men’s 81 kg judo category, tested positive for two banned substances in a random test conducted on the 23rd. Similarly, Cynthia Ogunsemiroa of Nigeria, competing in the women’s 60 kg boxing category, tested positive for the diuretic furosemide in a random test conducted on the 25th.

As a result of the CAS ruling, the provisional suspensions imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the two athletes have been confirmed.

Iraqi and Nigerian Athletes Suspended for Doping at Paris Olympics

How does doping hurt human health?

Doping can harm human health in various ways, depending on the substances used. Here are some common performance-enhancing drugs and their health risks:

Anabolic Steroids:
- Cardiovascular Problems: Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and elevated blood pressure.
- Liver Damage: Liver tumors, cysts, and jaundice.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Infertility, breast development in men, and masculinization in women.
- Psychological Effects: Aggression, mood swings, and depression.
Erythropoietin (EPO):
- Blood Clots: Increased risk of blood clots, leading to strokes or heart attacks.
- Increased Blood Viscosity: Thickened blood can strain the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
- Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH):
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe pain in joints and muscles.
- Edema: Swelling due to fluid retention.
- Diabetes: Increased risk of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Enlarged heart and other cardiovascular issues.
Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, cocaine):
- Heart Problems: Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and arrhythmias.
- Neurological Effects: Seizures, strokes, and psychiatric disorders like anxiety and paranoia.
- Addiction: High potential for dependence and addiction.
Diuretics:
- Dehydration: Severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney damage.
- Muscle Cramps: Risk of cramps and muscle fatigue.
Blood Doping:
- Blood Clots: Increased risk of clotting, leading to strokes or heart attacks.
- Infections: Risk of infections from unsanitary practices or contaminated blood.
- Immune Reactions: Potential for serious immune reactions.
Beta-2 Agonists:
- Heart Issues: Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and palpitations.
- Muscle Tremors: Increased muscle tremors and cramps.
- Metabolic Imbalance: Electrolyte imbalances affecting bodily functions.

Using these substances can lead to both short-term and long-term health complications, severely impacting an athlete’s quality of life and potentially causing irreversible damage.

Examples that high-profile athletes have suffered the consequences of doping

Here are some examples of high-profile athletes who have faced consequences for doping:

1. Lance Armstrong (Cycling):
– Stripped of his 7 Tour de France titles
– Banned from competitive cycling for life
– Forced to return Olympic medals
– Lost numerous sponsorship deals

2. Marion Jones (Track and Field):
– Stripped of 5 Olympic medals (3 gold, 2 bronze) from 2000 Sydney Olympics
– Served 6 months in prison for perjury related to steroid use
– Banned from track and field for two years

3. Ben Johnson (Track and Field):
– Stripped of Olympic gold medal in 100m sprint from 1988 Seoul Olympics
– Banned from competition for 2 years initially, then banned for life after a second offense

4. Maria Sharapova (Tennis):
– Suspended for 15 months
– Lost multiple sponsorship deals
– Ranking dropped significantly during suspension

5. Alex Rodriguez (Baseball):
– Suspended for entire 2014 MLB season (162 games)
– Lost tens of millions in salary
– Reputation severely damaged, affecting Hall of Fame chances

6. Tyson Gay (Track and Field):
– Stripped of Olympic silver medal from 2012 London Olympics
– Banned for one year
– Required to return prize money from competitions

7. Justin Gatlin (Track and Field):
– Served two doping bans (2001-2002 and 2006-2010)
– Lost sponsorships
– Faced ongoing scrutiny and criticism throughout his career

These cases demonstrate that doping can lead to severe consequences including loss of titles, medals, and earnings, as well as damage to an athlete’s reputation and legacy. The specific punishments can vary depending on the sport, the substance involved, and whether it’s a first or repeat offense.