When an athlete gets caught using banned substances, it reminds us of the real dangers of doping in sports and why certain drugs are off-limits. One recent story that brought attention to this issue is that of Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk.
After a recent test, Mudryk tested positive for meldonium, a banned substance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what happened and explore 5 other substances athletes should stay clear of.
What Went Down with Mykhailo Mudryk?
Mykhailo Mudryk was suspended after testing positive for meldonium. It is a substance that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added to its banned drugs list in 2016. Mudryk and Chelsea have both insisted that he intentionally didn’t take anything that would break the rules. The test came after he played for Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.
What Exactly is Meldonium?
Meldonium sounds very Marvel-like, but it's a drug used to help people with heart problems by improving blood flow and boosting metabolism. But athletes have figured out that it can also improve performance by increasing stamina and endurance. Because of this, meldonium is on the banned drugs list for most sports, including football.
The drug became well-known in sports after Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova tested positive for it in 2016.
5 Other Common Banned Substances in Sports
Here are 5 other banned substances asides from meldonium:
1. Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are probably the most well-known banned substances in sports. These drugs help build muscle and strength fast, which is why they’re popular with athletes who want to bulk up. The downside? They’re bad for your health. Using anabolic steroids can damage your liver, mess with your hormones, and even harm your heart.
2. Erythropoietin (EPO)
Erythropoietin, or EPO, is a hormone that helps your body make more red blood cells. Why would an athlete use it? Well, more red blood cells mean more oxygen to the muscles, which boosts endurance. This is perfect for long-distance runners and cyclists (we're not recommending it!). But EPO is dangerous. It can thicken the blood, which raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes. That’s why it’s on the banned substances list.
3. Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and ephedrine are drugs that can make you feel more awake and alert. While they can give an athlete a quick burst of energy, they come with serious risks. They can make your heart race, cause anxiety, and even lead to addiction. That’s why stimulants are banned in sports. They might give you a boost, but the side effects aren’t worth it, and they definitely don’t belong in fair competition.
4. Diuretics and Masking Agents
Diuretics are sometimes used to make athletes lose weight quickly or to flush other drugs out of their system. While they don’t directly improve performance, they’re often used to cover up the use of other banned substances. The problem with diuretics is that they can dehydrate you and mess with your electrolytes, which could lead to kidney failure or even death if used the wrong way.
5. Growth Hormones
Human Growth Hormones (HGH) are naturally produced in the body, helping with growth and tissue repair. But synthetic HGH, used by athletes to speed up muscle growth and recovery, is banned in sports. Using HGH can cause joint pain, increase your risk of heart problems, and even raise your chances of getting cancer. For this reason, growth hormones are on the list of banned substances that athletes should never use.
Why These Rules Matter
If an athlete is caught using banned substances in sports, the consequences can be serious. In Mudryk’s case, he’s facing a provisional suspension while more tests are done. If he’s found guilty, he could face a suspension of up to four years.
Even if the doping was unintentional, athletes are still held responsible for what goes into their bodies. That’s why it’s so important for athletes to know what’s on the banned drugs list and avoid anything that could lead to a positive test.