Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) are substances used by athletes to illicitly improve their performance.
- **Anabolic Steroids**: Mimic testosterone, promoting muscle growth and strength. Ideal for power events like sprinting. Side effects include liver damage, heart problems, and psychological disturbances.
- **Stimulants**: Increase activity of the central nervous system, enhancing alertness, focus, and reaction time, while masking fatigue. Side effects include anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and cardiovascular problems.
- **Human Growth Hormone (HGH)**: Stimulates muscle growth and aids recovery. Side effects include joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease.
The evaluation must recognise that while these drugs can lead to faster times, they are banned for being against the spirit of sport and for posing significant health dangers to athletes.