Sports doping subject of talk

If you find yourself trying to make sense out of the all-too-familiar news flashes about high-profile sports figures using performance-enhancing products, come to The Belfry on Thursday, April 17, where COCC Assistant Professor of Exercise Science John Liccardo will present: "Physiology, Doping and Ethics in Sports." Doors open at 6 p.m.; lecture starts at 7 p.m.

With advances in nutritional technology, scientists synthesizing and manufacturing nutrients, and many of their metabolic by-products which can enhance physical performance when consumed in substantial amounts - you may wonder what's a drug and what isn't.

Liccardo will discuss the physiological effects of banned performance-enhancing drugs and the effectiveness of the testing protocols for such drugs. He will then lead a discussion of ethical issues related to use, safety, testing and fairness of performance-enhancing drugs. Questions of how widespread doping is, how we decide what to ban, the difficulties of keeping up with new doping methods as well as pros and cons of legalizing doping will be discussed.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) doping legislation stipulates that any physiologic substance taken in abnormal quantity with the intention of artificially and unfairly increasing performance is "doping," violating the ethics of sport performance.

The most blatant case of such performance enhancements with nutritional doping came to light with the accomplishments of the fallen star of bicycle-racing, Lance Armstrong, a man who had to win at all costs.

While Armstrong's use of enhancement drugs was frowned upon world-wide, the German Democratic Republic's (GDR) had a secret "State Plan" in effect in the '70s and '80s, when more than 10,000 athletes were given massive doses of anabolic steroids, achieving wondrous success at the Olympics. For many, however, the physical and emotional health of the athletes have been permanently damaged.

Join the Sisters Science Club participants at The Belfry on Thursday, April 17, for an exploration of challenging issues facing athletes and fans of all sports.