The Evolution of Drug Testing in the Olympics

Drug testing at the Olympics began in 1968 during the Summer Games in Mexico City. The first athlete to trigger a positive test was a Swedish pentathlete who consumed beer to calm his nerves before a competition, leading to his disqualification and the return of his bronze medal. This incident highlights that the initial approach to drug testing focused on various substances, not just traditional performance enhancers. The story underscores the complexities and historical context of doping in Olympic sports.