In today’s society, athletes are becoming celebrities in their own right. They are given a lot of publicity and if they truly excel in their respective field, not only they have sky-high salaries but also they manage to get million-dollar endorsements. Unfortunately, there are some athletes who choose to take short cuts and resort to drugs that enhances their athletic abilities, what they do not know is they are risking their lives just to get these so called significant incentives of being an athlete. This is the reason why a many international sports federation necessitates drug-testing athletes.

Drug testing athletes is performed at various levels from collegiate athletes to Olympic games participants. Drug tests are conducted to identify if the athletes are taking performance-enhancing drugs and how far have they abused their body by taking these drugs. These procedures are very strict and firm that if there is anyone found violating the policies must not be allowed to join any competition or should be suspended.

When drug testing athletes, they are required to submit urine specimen before and after the competition. To detect other substance abuse, sometimes urine is not enough; it may require some blood specimen. Though it seems like a very simple procedure, this process must be highly regulated and formally executed because if it results to a false positive an not only the athlete will suffer from its repercussions but also the sports federation.

In any case that the specimen is proven tampered, an athlete who lost his place, medal or accolade or endorsements may file a lawsuit against the federation. This is why there are strict protocols in handling and delivering the specimen so that it would be tamper proof.

Unluckily, there are still some athletes in all levels of sports competition who continues to use performance-enhancing drugs even if they are aware that it will jeopardize their careers and health. For example, Ben Johnson, the athlete who broke the 100 meter record in the 1988 Olympics with his bulging muscles got disqualified and never to be heard off again.

Drug testing athletes is the key in preserving the integrity of sportsmanship by restricting drug use.

Drug abuse will be prevented if there is constant and random test being conducted. Drug testing athletes should be implemented always to avoid unfair competition.

Finally it can also save the health of athletes give them a better quality of life after their competitive days.