Aug 11th, 2004 · Commentator Frank Deford thinks swimmer Michael Phelps may be the best-known American athlete who can win individual gold at the Athens Olympics. He says Phelps -- who hasn't been tainted by the doping scandal that has put a cloud over other well-known athletes -- may also help spice up NBC's coverage of the Games.
Aug 10th, 2004 · Evidence of performance-enhancing drugs and hormones is likely to be found during tests of athletes at the Athens Olympics. But doping officials fear use of several designer steroids for which there are no tests. And on the horizon: "gene doping," bio-engineering athletes for strength and speed. NPR's Richard Knox reports.
Aug 9th, 2004 · Performance-enhancing drugs have already cast a shadow over the Olympics as Athens makes final preparations for the Summer Games. Five athletes were banned from competition Monday following positive drug tests -- an Irish distance runner, a Swiss cylist, a Spanish canoeist and two Americans competing for the Greek baseball team. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Tom Goldman.
Jul 23rd, 2004 · Former Olympic athlete Dick Pound spent 25 years as a member of the International Olympic Committee. His book Inside the Olympics explores the money, politics and intrigue that drive the Games. NPR's Howard Berkes reports.
Jul 21st, 2004 · Now that the U.S. track and field trials are over, American athletes are getting ready for the Summer Olympics in Athens. But Commentator Frank Deford says interest in the competition on the field is being overshadowed by continuing publicity about drug use.
Jul 19th, 2004 · Bryan Clay, a 24-year-old, relatively small (5 feet 11 inches and 184 pounds) athlete, pulls an upset win at the U.S. track and field Olympic decathlon trials, beating out heavily favored --- and much bigger -- 2003 world champion Tom Pappas. Pappas is still favored to win gold in Athens, but Clay is now considered a real contender. Tom Banse of Northwest Public Affairs Network reports.
Jul 16th, 2004 · Marion Jones has returned to championship form by winning the long jump at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials. She is the only athlete at the trials linked to the BALCO doping investigation who has so far qualified to compete at the upcoming Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. NPR's Tom Goldman reports.
Jul 15th, 2004 · Two competitors were kicked out of the Tour de France bicycle race amid doping allegations this week. Day to Day contributor Eric Niiler explains why some athletes risk discovery and shame by taking performance enhancing drugs.