Doping

Unfortunately the Olympics are over but at least I will no longer be glued to the sofa and how well did Team GB do!?

It's time for my passion for science and sport to feature again as yesterday it was announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that Belarusian women's shot put gold medallist Nadzeya Ostapchuk has been stripped of her title after failing a doping test.

Both samples of her urine (taken before and after the event) tested positive for metenolone which as the IOC states" is classified as anabolic agent under the 2012 prohibited list."

Metenolone is an anabolic steroid with testosterone like properties. By mimicking the effects of testosterone the drug increases the amount of protein synthesis occurring within body cells, which results in the build up of cellular tissue (known as anabolism), particularly in muscle cells.

To state the obvious such development provides an unfair advantage over other athletes within the sport and hence substances such as these are banned! 

New Zealand's Valerie Adams, who was originally second, has now been awarded the gold medal.

Finally good luck to anyone receiving results this Thursday, I hope they go well for you!