|
 FIG statistics and those of several continental
unions taken over the last 15 years show a very small percentage
of positive results (less than 1% of controls). Which products
were concerned? Ephedrine and Pseudo-ephedrine (products
generally used therapeutically to treat rhinitis and influenza),
Caffeine (cardiocirculatory stimulant) and Diuretics (normally
used to eliminate superfluous water, oedemas and to facilitate
cardiovascular-respiratory functioning, but often misused
to lose weight; these products are also used by certain
malevolent athletes to hide the use of “heavy”
doping products such as anabolic steroids). Doubtless a
phenomenon of fashion and civilisation, over the last few
years substances containing cannabis have been found more
frequently in urine samples. The FIG has listed Cannabis
on its list of prohibited products in response to IOC recommendations
and in light of its ethical policy requiring the federation
to protect an often young population of athletes. Still,
certain contradictory discussions often advocate its decriminalisation
in cases a bit different from the fight against drugs. To
be comprehensive, ß 2 agonist substances must be mentioned;
these are mostly used in aerosol form by gymnasts wishing
to reduce or altogether stop asthmatic crises. This product
is sometimes misappropriated, but in very high levels and
generally as a strong anabolic. In this case, the quantity
present in the urine is high. We have never been confronted
with a case of this kind of doping but we have had numerous
positive cases with very low levels. Here, all gymnasts
concerned were able to prove their need to use these products
within the strict limits of the antidoping regulations by
way of specialised and certified respiratory examinations
 Erythropoietin (EPO), which is widely
discussed by the media, is very dangerous and used exclusively
in certain endurance sports. We have never found a trace
of it and believe its use to be more than improbable in
gymnastics. Let us just imagine that a very evil genius,
the devil perhaps, were to ask me to forget about my medical
and sports ethics, to snap my fingers at the over-all health
of our young gymnasts and to renounce all that gives meaning
to sports practise, fair-play. If this terribly evil genius
were to ask me which products would help in “effectively”
progressing and winning in gymnastics … I would be
very embarrassed, despite an exceptional knowledge of the
pharmacology of doping products. Unfortunately, or rather
very fortunately, no product is actually available on the
market that could help a gymnast correctly perform a triple
twist instead of a single, for example, or even slightly
stimulate motivation.
 The only effective methods remain quality
of training, environment, psychological, medical and nutritional
follow-up; issues about which competent trainers are already
informed. Although doping products are ineffective and pointless
for our gymnasts, the temptation may remain. Which temptations
are present in the different disciplines, knowing that mechanical,
physiological and biological constraints can vary from one
discipline to the other? Stimulants such as Ephedrine and
Caffeine would not have a sufficient motivating effect and
could hinder concentration and the control of the nervous
influx. Analgesics would largely reduce reflexes and would
perturb co-ordination and space orientation. In addition
to the serious problems anabolic steroids induce, they are
only “effective” in the development of pure strength
and everyone knows that modern gymnastics favours momentum
and artistic expression to static effort and pure strength.
It is easy to see that temptations such as these would be
pointless and vain because all currently known doping substances
would do nothing more than to curb gymnastic expression
 Fortunately, we are surrounded by good
geniuses, all of whom would tell us that there are no doping
substances, however slightly “effective” they
may be, that are not dangerous for one’s health. Certain
products seriously perturb normal physiological, even psychological,
functioning. Others progressively and insidiously destroy
the organism, while still others rather quickly. Everyone,
including the gymnast, the coach, the federation and its
directors, must increase his or her awareness of the futility
and considerable dangers of doping. For some time, the FIG
has taken its responsibilities seriously; all its competitions
are controlled and out of competition controls are now being
carried out by way of the World Antidoping Agency. Our regulations
are strict. Cases are judged without compromise; sanctions
take into account both the regulations and extenuating or
aggravating circumstances, rigour and fairness come into
play. Even more motivating is the extensive educational
programme that is currently getting underway, notably in
the area of the Academies for the training of coaches. It
is important to mention that nothing will be comprehensively
accomplished without the support and effective participation
of the national federations. We are joined together in the
same fight to defend ethics, health and the credibility
of our sport
Dr Michel
Léglise,
Vice-President FIG
President of the Medical Comission
|
