Doping in DanceSport? 13/09/2012

In the dancefloor-magazin.ch article on doping controls in DanceSport, editor Reinhard Egli expresses a view that is commonplace in the community.

"Due to the multi-faceted challenges – some of them diametrically opposed and in contrasting areas – doping in DanceSport, as of today, can hardly be purposeful or systematic."

The direct link between prohibited substances and the object of the sport is easily identified in cycling (EPO and endurance) and weightlifting (steroids and strength), but in DanceSport?

While physical exertion in a four-round Ten Dance competition is a notch or two below that of an athlete running in a marathon, it is significant. But is it enough so for cheats to resort to the use of drugs?

All athletes put high demands on their body; those in DanceSport are no exception. But could that lead a cheat to take human growth hormones? They even come conveniently packaged as ingredients in anti-aging cosmetic products.

We will never know the definite answers to these – or similar – questions, and that is exactly why doping controls have their place in DanceSport too. To keep the playing field level for the 99% who do not cheat!

What seems to be clear is that many (if not most) positive tests in DanceSport result from ignorance and carelessness on the part of the athletes. Nutritional supplements, diuretics, weight loss and hair growth products are frequently self-administered. After all, to look and feel good, one doesn’t necessarily have to consult a physician. That could turn out to be the wrong assumption, particularly if these products are purchased from dubious outlets.

Latest NewsSubscribe to news RSS

Something BIG Is In The Making

From Sant Cugat, the Catalan town near Barcelona where the WDSF offices are located, something BIG will get launched in the not too distant future!

24/05/2013 read more ...

GS Standard Hong Kong

The GrandSlam Standard Semi-Final in Hong Kong with all ten heats is now available too. This reel fills the last gap in the comprensive coverage on the event.

24/05/2013 read more ...

Hong Kong Revisited

The "Semi-Final Reel" of the 2013 WDSF GrandSlam Latin in Hong Kong is now available. All ten heats danced by the top 12 couples on 11 May.

23/05/2013 read more ...

Throwing In The Hat

WDSF President Carlos Freitag stands as candidate in the presidential elections of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations.

22/05/2013 read more ...

Crystal Palace Cup

Still the only show in town! The 2013 Crystal Palace Cup was held last weekend in London. It continues as the only WDSF competition in England.

21/05/2013 read more ...

Zuvedra Victorious

The Zuvedra 1 Formation from Lithuania claimed victory at the 2013 WDSF European DanceSport Championship Lation Formation held in Vilnius, LTU.

20/05/2013 read more ...