Asynchronous Academy

Sports & Substances

Department
PHYS-ED

5 Canadian Drug Scandals in Sports

Doping scandals have shaped the history of Canadian sports, often leading to stripped medals and damaged legacies. Understanding these cases helps us see the pressure athletes face and the risks they take to stay competitive.

Task:

Independent Research Case Study

Now, you will take a "deep dive" into one specific case to understand the "why" and "how" of substance use in sports.

Task: Pick one athlete from the CBC article and research the following:

  • The Story: What exactly happened? When and where was the substance detected?
  • The Motivation: Why did the athlete take the drug? Was it for a physical edge, recovery, or a lapse in judgment?
  • The Risks: Using the PIEDS Fact Sheet or other medical resources, identify the specific physical and mental dangers of that substance.
  • The Context: Find at least one other instance where a different athlete (international or domestic) was caught with the same substance.

Athlete Fact Sheet (Project)

Your goal is to turn your research into a warning for the next generation. Use Canva to create a one-page "Fact Sheet" designed for young athletes who might be tempted to use substances to improve their performance or cope with pressure.

Your Fact Sheet must include:

  1. Drug Profile: The name of the drug and its primary health risks.
  2. A Cautionary Tale: A summary of the Canadian case you researched as a real-world example.
  3. A Global Map of the Issue: A short section or radial map that explains the impact of drugs at different levels:
    • Personal: Impact on your health and future.
    • Local/Regional: Impact on your team, school, or community reputation.
    • National/International: The roles of organizations like WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and the impact on the integrity of global competition.

Assessment

Pre-Submission

Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.

What to Turn In

  • 📤
    Pre-Submission Self-Assessment Google Doc
  • 📤

    Athlete Fact Sheet

Learning Goals

We are learning to:

  • 🎯

    Investigate real-world cases of substance use in Canadian sports to understand the legal and social consequences

  • 🎯

    Analyze the physical and mental health risks associated with performance-enhancing and recreational drugs

  • 🎯

    Develop educational resources that explain the personal and global implications of drug use

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    Develop strategies an athlete could have used to avoid or manage their substance use issues

    Expectations Covered: C2.4
  • ✅

    Explain how various substances affect my physical health and overall well-being

    Expectations Covered: C1.2
  • ✅

    Create a fact sheet or map that illustrates the personal, local, national, and international issues related to drug use

    Expectations Covered: C3.3