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What substances are banned in sports?
Banned substances in sports include anabolic steroids, stimulants, hormones, diuretics, and other performance-enhancing drugs. These are prohibited because they can unfairly boost performance or pose health risks. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains a list of banned substances updated annually to keep sports fair and safe.
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How do doping tests work?
Doping tests typically involve collecting urine or blood samples from athletes. These samples are analyzed in labs for banned substances or their metabolites. Advanced techniques like mass spectrometry help detect even tiny traces of prohibited drugs, ensuring athletes are tested thoroughly and fairly.
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What are the penalties for doping violations?
Penalties for doping violations can include disqualification, suspension, and stripping of titles or records. In serious cases, athletes may face bans lasting several years or even a lifetime ban. The severity depends on the substance involved and whether it was a first offense or a repeat violation.
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How do athletes get caught doping?
Athletes can be caught doping through random testing, targeted investigations, or whistleblower reports. Advances in testing technology make it harder to evade detection. For example, Ruth Chepngetich's positive test for hydrochlorothiazide was identified through routine doping controls, leading to an ongoing investigation.
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Can athletes use legal supplements without risking doping violations?
While many supplements are legal, some may contain banned substances or contaminants. Athletes should only use supplements approved by their sports governing bodies and consult anti-doping resources to avoid accidental violations.
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What is the role of WADA in doping control?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sets the global standards for anti-doping policies, including the banned substances list and testing procedures. They work with sports organizations worldwide to promote clean sport and ensure fair competition.