Drug test ‘first’ at Brisbane Games

Press, 27 September 1982, Page 25

Drug test ‘first’ at Brisbane Games

NZPA . Brisbane Hormone level tests will be carried out on athletes at the Commonwealth Games for the first time in international sport. The tests will be for unnatural quantities in the body of the hormone testosterone — which some women athletes use to give them male characteristics. A Queensland State Government medical officer' and Games official. Dr Doug Wilson. said that the complex detection. method had only recently been perfected and would be used for the first time in international sport in Brisbane. Results would be available within 24 hours and any athlete who returns a positive test will be immediately

dumped from the Games and subject to penalties by the sport governing body. The testosterone hormone, which can be injected or taken in tablet form is known to have been in use in some sports for several years. Testosterone is naturally present in both males and females, Mr Wilson said, and the testing is for unnatural quantities. “If a woman takes too much she may need to shave one day,” he said. The testosterone testing is in addition to the normal sex tests and post-competition drug testing. Dr Wilson said most medallists would be tested and there would be random tests as well.