What a dope: Six sporting scandals involving drugs

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Maria Sharapova has recently failed a drugs doping test at the Australian Open but doping scandals in sport are nothing new. EPM looks at some of the substances taken by sports stars in a bid to boost performance

Erythropoietin (EPO), testosterone and cortisone 

Taken by: Lance Armstrong

In an interview on the Discovery Channel, Armstrong admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs erythropoietin (EPO), testosterone, cortisone and human growth hormone as well as having blood transfusions.

Nandrolone

Taken by: Linford Christie

In 1999 Christie was found guilty of using the performance-enhancing drug nandrolone, following a doping test. He said the substance could have entered his system through legal supplements.

Meldonium/mildronate

Taken by: Maria Sharapova

In a recent press conference Sharapova admitted she had failed a drugs test at the Australian Open due to meldonium, which was originally prescribed to her by her doctor. This drug was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency list of banned substances in January and Sharapova claimed that she was not aware that the regulation had been changed.

Hydrochlorothiazide and steroids

Taken by: Ben Johnson

Despite scooping the 100m bronze medal in the 1984 Olympic Games, Johnson took a little trip to the drug store before the 1987 games to help beat Carl Lewis.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HCT or HZT), is a diuretic often used to treat high blood pressure and swelling due to fluid build up.

Ephedrine

Taken by: Diego Maradona

In 1991 Maradona failed a doping test for cocaine playing for Napoli. He saw out his ban and was included in the squad for the 1994 World Cup. However, when he was pictured with bulging eyes after scoring a goal, he was tested again and tested positive for ephedrine.

Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride

Taken by: Shane Warne

In the run-up to the 2003 Cricket World Cup, Aussie spin-bowler Shane Warne was sent home after a testing positive to diuretics hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Warne said he had been a tablet by his mother to help with weight issues.