Background Information:
In 1999, world-class cyclist Marco Pantani was disqualified from the Giro Italia for having a hematocrit level of 52%. He was accused of enhancing his performance by using Erythropoetin or EPO, a synthetic compound that increases the number of red blood cells in the body EPO is taken by injection, and stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells. This allows the blood to carry more oxygen to the muscles. It can also be risky. Athletes with artificially high hemoglobin levels are at a greater risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Pantani denied the charges against him, but it is difficult to determine whether he was lying or telling the truth. Since EPO is a naturally occurring hormone, it is present in everyone. Therefore it is no test to measure EPO itself; a surrogate test measures the density of red blood cells in the blood must be used. This measurement is called the hematocrit. A study from 1980s, before the invention of synthetic EPO, showed that the average hematocrit in the blood of cyclists was 43%. Given that there is a variation in this summer among cyclists tested, it was decided that anyone with a hematocrit above 50% would be disqualified for taking EPO.
Pantani is known to be one of the best hill climbers in the sport, and is known to train at high altitudes. This training regimen can also increase the number of red blood cells. "I am a clean rider, " the 29-year old rider told the press. "My conscience is clear. I have nothing to do with doping. I don't need doping to win races. I need hills to climb."
Doping in Sports History
Pantani denied the charges against him, but it is difficult to determine whether he was lying or telling the truth. Since EPO is a naturally occurring hormone, it is present in everyone. Therefore it is no test to measure EPO itself; a surrogate test measures the density of red blood cells in the blood must be used. This measurement is called the hematocrit. A study from 1980s, before the invention of synthetic EPO, showed that the average hematocrit in the blood of cyclists was 43%. Given that there is a variation in this summer among cyclists tested, it was decided that anyone with a hematocrit above 50% would be disqualified for taking EPO.
Pantani is known to be one of the best hill climbers in the sport, and is known to train at high altitudes. This training regimen can also increase the number of red blood cells. "I am a clean rider, " the 29-year old rider told the press. "My conscience is clear. I have nothing to do with doping. I don't need doping to win races. I need hills to climb."
Doping in Sports History
Lesson Outline:
Analyzing the Issue: After reading the background information and researching on their own on doping in sports, students will analyze following questions/investigations
- Identify the issue that is implied in this case study
- Create a T-chart to list the pros and cons that relate to the issue
- In a web set out the different perspectives that might influence an athlete’s decision to use performance enhancing drugs.
- Consider the analysis of Pantani and Armstrong’s hematocrit levels. Based on your experience with experimental testing, what are the factors you might consider when reviewing Pantani and Armstrong’s hematocrit levels to confirm his innocence or guilt.
- Consider different kinds of media available. What would be the most effective way to convey Pantani and Armstrong’s point of view on their situations and the issue of blood doping to his fans?
- Draft a press release that Pantani and Armstrong will release to the media outlining their cases and the scientific evidence to support it.
- Plan a class role play of the jury that must deliberate whether Pantani and Armstrong were innocent or guilty. Members of the jury include: a coach; a manufacturer of sports equipment; a news reporter; the widow of a heart attack victim; a dietician; a hematologist.