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changes. Many of these substances are real pschotropic substances which
have changed the mental development of certain athletes. Others, on the contrary,
are poisons with no use which, if taken, would be biologically and psychologically
absurd. The drug classification by J. Delay and P. Deniker, which covers
medicines, was adapted by Boudreau (from Quebec).
One of the prohibited substances is testosterone for example. This is a
hormone produced in the male body. It is used therapeutically in certain cases.
However, it also has a negative effect because it violates protein exchanges and
causes muscle atrophy. Therefore, by increasing the capacity of an organism for a
short period, these medicines are even more harmful. Moreover, continually using
these medicines can have a negative effect on the body's sexual ability and lead to
men becoming impotent. The most important products to know about are opiates,
hemp and its derivatives, amphetamines and solvents.
In 1994, at the Centennial Olympic Congress held in Paris, it was restated that
the contemporary Olympic Games are the greatest sports event today and that
they are a unique occasion to establish relations between people from different
nations. They are the world's sports celebration, and moral considerations,
humour, acerbic criticisms and grandiose exploits must be avoided. The Olympic
values are always relevant: seeking excellence, striving to do better, respect for
others, harmony between body and mind and the principles of fair play and
solidarity. A balanced Olympic programme must be established to ensure the
development of the Olympic Movement. To protect the Olympic principles, the
judging of competitions must also be improved and there must be a constant
battle against dirty methods in sport, and, in particular, against prohibited
medicines which violate the fundamental principles of the Olympic Games. The
media must also be more informed about the Olympic principles.
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