Hormones and the science of athletic performance. Preface.

摘要

The extensive use of drugs in society, and specifically in sport, is by no means a new phenomenon. What has changed, however, are the methods applied, and the drugs used are now more sophisticated. Throughout history there are plenty of indications that athletes have used "magic" potions to give them an extra punch to gain an unfair advantage and hopefully win.The development of new test methods and substances come and go very quickly, and we all have to accept that the battle against doping is far from being won. Although sport is hopefully or perhaps fairer than at any time, we must be conscious of the ever-present possibility that the winner, and clearer not only the winner, in any athletic event may not be the best. If this issue, focusing on drugs used and methods to detect them, helps to advance our understanding and our quest for honest competition, then it will have served its purpose.