The history of testing for performance-enhancing drugs in international sports is a complex and evolving story. It has been shaped by the development of new scientific techniques, the establishment of international organizations, and an ongoing battle against doping. This overview will outline the key milestones and scientific methods in the history of anti-doping efforts.

1960s: Early Testing and the Origins of Anti-Doping 

The issue of doping in sports gained prominence in the 1960s, when several high-profile cases highlighted the need for regulation. One of the most notable incidents involved Danish cyclist Knut Jensen, who died during the 1960 Rome Olympics, reportedly due to the combination of amphetamines and the hot weather.

1971: Formation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical Commission 

In response to growing concerns about doping, the IOC established the Medical Commission in 1971. This body was responsible for developing guidelines and policies to regulate the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Olympic sports.

1972: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) 

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was a key scientific advancement in the fight against doping. This technique allowed for the separation and identification of individual compounds within a complex mixture. It became a critical tool for detecting the presence of banned substances in athletes’ urine samples.

1983: Testing for Anabolic Steroids 

Anabolic steroids were among the first performance-enhancing substances to be specifically targeted by anti-doping tests. In 1983, the IOC implemented a test for these drugs using the GC-MS technique.

1999: Establishment of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 

WADA was founded in 1999 to coordinate global efforts against doping in sports. It developed the World Anti-Doping Code, which serves as the basis for anti-doping rules and regulations for sports organizations worldwide. WADA also maintains a list of prohibited substances and oversees the accreditation of anti-doping laboratories.

2004: Introduction of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) 

The ABP is a longitudinal monitoring program that tracks an athlete’s biological variables over time. This approach helps to detect doping by identifying deviations from an athlete’s established baseline, rather than relying solely on the detection of specific substances. The ABP has been particularly useful in detecting blood doping, which involves the use of erythropoietin (EPO) or blood transfusions to increase red blood cell count.

2012: Biological Passport for Steroidal Module 

WADA introduced a steroidal module to the ABP, which tracks an athlete’s steroid profile over time. This innovation made it more difficult for athletes to use anabolic steroids without detection.

2015: Carbon Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (CIR-MS) 

CIR-MS is a technique that can distinguish between naturally occurring and synthetic testosterone. This advancement in testing technology further enhanced the detection of anabolic steroid use.

Recent Developments: 

Omics Technologies “Omics” technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are emerging as promising tools in the fight against doping. These approaches analyze large-scale datasets to detect patterns and biomarkers associated with the use of performance-enhancing substances. As these techniques continue to advance, they are expected to play an increasingly important role in anti-doping efforts.

Generally, sports doping has been an individual concern but in the past there have been large scale programs to evade detection technologies. State-sponsored or state-sanctioned use of performance-enhancing drugs has a long and complex history in international sports. While it is difficult to cover every instance, some key examples highlight the extent of these practices and their impact on the sports world.

1. East Germany (GDR) – 1960s to 1980s: One of the most notorious examples of state-sponsored doping is the East German sports program during the Cold War. The GDR’s government developed a systematic doping program called “State Plan 14.25” to dominate international competitions and showcase the supposed superiority of their political system. The program involved the administration of anabolic steroids, amphetamines, and other performance-enhancing drugs to athletes, often without their knowledge or consent.Many East German athletes went on to win numerous Olympic medals and set world records during this period. However, the long-term consequences of the doping program were severe, with many athletes suffering from various health issues, including hormonal imbalances, organ damage, and psychological problems. The extent of the GDR’s doping program became apparent after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany.
2. Soviet Union – 1950s to 1980s: The Soviet Union also engaged in state-sponsored doping practices during the Cold War. Much like East Germany, the USSR sought to demonstrate its supremacy in sports by winning medals and setting records. Anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs were widely used by Soviet athletes, with the support and encouragement of coaches and sports officials. Some of the most affected sports were weightlifting, athletics, and swimming.The full extent of the Soviet doping program is still not entirely known, but the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union led to a greater understanding of the issue.
3. Russia – 21st Century: The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was established in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2014 that evidence of widespread doping in Russian sports began to emerge. The revelations came to light after a German documentary aired in 2014, which contained allegations of systematic doping in Russian athletics.In 2015, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) launched an independent investigation led by Richard McLaren, which confirmed the existence of a state-sponsored doping program in Russia. The McLaren Report detailed the involvement of the Russian Ministry of Sport, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, and the Federal Security Service (FSB) in the manipulation of doping samples and the cover-up of positive tests.

   As a result of the findings, many Russian athletes were banned from international competitions, including the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. In 2019, WADA imposed a four-year ban on Russia, barring the country from participating in major international sports events.

State-sponsored doping has had a significant impact on international sports throughout history. The most notable examples include the East German and Soviet programs during the Cold War and the more recent Russian doping scandal. These instances of systematic doping have tarnished the integrity of sports and led to stricter anti-doping measures and increased vigilance in detecting and preventing such practices.

In conclusion, the history of testing for performance-enhancing drugs in international sports has been marked by scientific advancements and the establishment of international organizations. The development of techniques like GC-MS, ABP, and omics technologies has enhanced the ability to detect banned substances and promote fairness in sports. The ongoing battle against doping continues as new substances and techniques emerge, requiring ever-evolving detection methods and collaborative global efforts.