We offer you 10 unusual substances that our ancestors, and in some cases, and contemporaries, was used as doping agents. Perhaps you'd be surprised, but there also includes soda and arsenic, and the sperm of guinea pigs, and much more.
1. Strychnine
Better known as a deadly poison, strychnine, was considered the ticket to success for an American runner Thomas Hicks, who participated in the Olympic marathon in 1904. Thomas mixed this stuff with brandy and egg white. At the finish he needed an ambulance, and he almost died, but a gold medal yet won.
Better known as a deadly poison, strychnine, was considered the ticket to success for an American runner Thomas Hicks, who participated in the Olympic marathon in 1904. Thomas mixed this stuff with brandy and egg white. At the finish he needed an ambulance, and he almost died, but a gold medal yet won.
2. Donkey hooves
Ancient Egyptian athletes took the hooves of Abyssinian asses in powder form, they cooked in butter and seasoned rose, to hide the distinctive odor.
Ancient Egyptian athletes took the hooves of Abyssinian asses in powder form, they cooked in butter and seasoned rose, to hide the distinctive odor.
3. Sweet air
Sugar cube on the air helped the cyclist to overcome the 144-hour endurance race in the 1870's. When this was not enough, the coaches have added nitroglycerin cocaine with a pinch of mint for flavor.
Sugar cube on the air helped the cyclist to overcome the 144-hour endurance race in the 1870's. When this was not enough, the coaches have added nitroglycerin cocaine with a pinch of mint for flavor.
4. Bicarb
Some modern swimmers hold "soda-doping", which helps them save precious seconds during the competition. By increasing the pH, bicarbonate of soda can reduce the level of acid produced by the muscles of athletes that allows them to stay in shape. While the soda-doping also causes diarrhea.
Some modern swimmers hold "soda-doping", which helps them save precious seconds during the competition. By increasing the pH, bicarbonate of soda can reduce the level of acid produced by the muscles of athletes that allows them to stay in shape. While the soda-doping also causes diarrhea.
5. Ultraviolet radiation
In 1930, Soviet scientists found that when subjected to ultraviolet light runners, it will increase their speed in the 100-meter race. In 1940's by German researchers also found similar improvements in cycling.
In 1930, Soviet scientists found that when subjected to ultraviolet light runners, it will increase their speed in the 100-meter race. In 1940's by German researchers also found similar improvements in cycling.
6. Guinea pig sperm
In the late 1800's physiologist Charles Brown-Sekard injected himself serum from a mixture of semen dog and guinea pig, saying that it makes him stronger and even "extend the arc of his urine, and although he certainly exaggerated the benefit of its own discoveries, it definitely became the forerunner of doping substances, based on hormones.
In the late 1800's physiologist Charles Brown-Sekard injected himself serum from a mixture of semen dog and guinea pig, saying that it makes him stronger and even "extend the arc of his urine, and although he certainly exaggerated the benefit of its own discoveries, it definitely became the forerunner of doping substances, based on hormones.
7. Tinctures for pigeons
Pigeon race was marred by doping scandals: While some owners prefer pigeons anabolic steroids and other drugs used against molting. Birds were also given a laxative, so they emptied prior to the competition and, thus, lost weight.
Pigeon race was marred by doping scandals: While some owners prefer pigeons anabolic steroids and other drugs used against molting. Birds were also given a laxative, so they emptied prior to the competition and, thus, lost weight.
8. Hallucinogenic mushrooms
Hallucinogenic mushrooms used not only berserkers: Olympians in the third century also relied on them to quickly get to the finish line faster.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms used not only berserkers: Olympians in the third century also relied on them to quickly get to the finish line faster.
9. Arsenic
In the provinces of Styria and the Austrian Tyrol loggers waving axes under the action of megadoses of arsenic, which is also taken to improve digestion.
In the provinces of Styria and the Austrian Tyrol loggers waving axes under the action of megadoses of arsenic, which is also taken to improve digestion.
10. Human heart
The ancient Aztecs believed that the eating of human hearts helps both in war and in sport.
The ancient Aztecs believed that the eating of human hearts helps both in war and in sport.
