Vicky

Performance-enhancing drugs (P.E.D.’s) have always existed; however, regulations have not. A noticeable change in athletic skills is common for ordinary people on steroids, so what would be the result for elite athletes in that scenario? When I first began my research, I was surprised to learn about how common doping actually is in elite sports. I found that current regulations are failing to protect and prevent athletes from consuming potentially life-threatening substances. My research has been dedicated to answering the essential question of: How has the regulation of performance-enhancing drugs affected elite sports? When looking for the answer to this question,  I was able to separate my search into four different categories: current regulations and how they have changed over time, why athletes choose to use P.E.DS, the physical effects, and legal alternatives. Beyond that, I gathered information about the medical functions of drugs, the harmful consequences they can have on a healthy body, and the challenges that prevent reliable doping detection.  Also, I was fascinated to read about the divided feelings towards regulation, how some people are sponsoring sporting events that encourage doping, like the Enhanced Games, while others are supportive of restricting natural vitamin supplements. For my Senior Exhibition, I plan to discuss doping cases, including Lance Armstrong's and other famous cases.