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(a) (i) Outline the dangers to an athlete of using performance enhancing drugs - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 31 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 31
(a) (i) Outline the dangers to an athlete of using performance enhancing drugs. (ii) It is proposed that drug testing be introduced at the Australian championships ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) (i) Outline the dangers to an athlete of using performance enhancing drugs - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 31 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline the dangers to an athlete of using performance enhancing drugs.
Answer
There are significant dangers associated with the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Firstly, physical health risks include severe conditions such as liver damage, kidney issues, and cardiovascular problems due to substances like anabolic steroids. For instance, anabolic steroids can lead to an enlarged heart and an increased risk of heart attacks, as well as undesirable changes such as shrinkage of testicles in males and excessive hair growth in females.
Besides health risks, athletes may face psychological implications, including dependency and altered mental states. Furthermore, if athletes are caught using these substances, it can lead to reputational damage, impacting their public image and potentially affecting sponsorships and professional opportunities.
Overall, the physical, psychological, and reputational consequences create a significant risk for any athlete considering the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Step 2
Discuss the introduction of drug testing at this level of the competition.
Answer
Introducing drug testing at the Australian championships can create a fairer competition environment, ensuring that all athletes compete on a level playing field. These championships attract not only elite athletes but also young and aspiring sportspeople who view established competitors as role models. Understanding the health implications of drug use can encourage accountability among athletes.
The testing serves both preventive and educational purposes. It emphasizes the importance of fair competition while helping athletes understand the risks involved in using performance-enhancing substances. Furthermore, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) outlines particular banned substances, incorporating drug tests can help enforce these regulations effectively at an important competitive level.
However, implementing such testing comes with challenges. Athletes might inadvertently consume banned substances through other medications, highlighting the need for proper awareness and education regarding drug use. Furthermore, the costs associated with testing and the potential for false positives can add complications to this approach. Despite these challenges, the overall benefits of implementing rigorous drug testing at the Australian championships outweigh the drawbacks, promoting integrity and health in sports.
Step 3
To what extent do the initial planning considerations for elite athletes differ from those for recreational participants when preparing for an event or competition?
Answer
The planning considerations for elite athletes distinctly differ from those of recreational participants in several key areas.
Performance and Fitness Needs: Elite athletes focus heavily on specialized training regimens tailored to achieving peak performance, incorporating advanced periodization and recovery protocols. In contrast, recreational participants may adopt a more general fitness routine, without stringent performance metrics.
Event Scheduling: For elite athletes, the timing of competitions and training cycles is meticulously planned to ensure optimal performance during events. Recreational participants may have a more flexible approach and less pressure regarding timing and performance.
Climate and Seasonality: Elite athletes plan their activities around specific climatic conditions that impact their performance, like altitude training or weather factors. Recreational athletes usually adapt to local environments without specific considerations.
Training Consistency: Elite athletes maintain rigorous consistency in their training schedules, often adhering to a strict regimen, while recreational athletes may have a less regimented approach to exercise, focusing on enjoyment and fitness rather than strict adherence.
In summary, while both elite and recreational athletes share the goal of improving performance, their planning considerations reflect varying levels of commitment, intensity, and focus on achieving specific performance outcomes.