Masters Swimming and Illegal Supplements

Caffeine is no longer on the list of prohibited substances. Diuretics and other drugs which are medically necessary can be used with a Therapeutic Use Exemption. You can access the WADA's list by this link: www.wada-ama.org/.../list_2005.pdf Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, consequently athletes are advised to use with extreme caution as they may contain banned substances (regardless of what the label indicates). Drug testing could be implemented at the USMS level, certainly for record setting performances. I guarantee that if a Masters swimmer sets a National or World record and tests positive for an anabolic steroid, epo, or growth hormone, he or she will be unable to provide a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Diuretics are listed as potential masking agents which can hinder the detection of anabolic steroids in the urine. I have no doubt banned substances are in use in USMS. Do not underestimate the power of rationalization.

Caffeine is no longer on the list of prohibited substances. Diuretics and other drugs which are medically necessary can be used with a Therapeutic Use Exemption. You can access the WADA's list by this link: www.wada-ama.org/.../list_2005.pdf Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, consequently athletes are advised to use with extreme caution as they may contain banned substances (regardless of what the label indicates). Drug testing could be implemented at the USMS level, certainly for record setting performances. I guarantee that if a Masters swimmer sets a National or World record and tests positive for an anabolic steroid, epo, or growth hormone, he or she will be unable to provide a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Diuretics are listed as potential masking agents which can hinder the detection of anabolic steroids in the urine. I have no doubt banned substances are in use in USMS. Do not underestimate the power of rationalization.