Paper on the IEC doping conference in Barcelona, 17 - 18 june 1999, "The limits in sport: doping". Top level competition demands continuous and systematic preparation from athletes if they are to achieve peak performance. Currently, many coaches and other adults involved in the training of top athletes have a threefold maxim: (a) begin athletes' daily training at a younger age, (b) train for longer periods, and (c) train better. This paper questions from the perspective of sports psychology aspects (a) and (b), which are defended by many coaches. The advantages of training young athletes better through application of advances in sports science are considered, in terms of optimising performance and well-being. Secondly, a number of problems deriving from the demands of high performance in youth sports are described, including over-training and excessive pressure to succeed. Thirdly, the reasons which lead young athletes to take drugs, and the effect that they have on their performance and everyday lives are summarised. This is followed by consideration of the role of the sport psychologist in the detection and prevention of drug consumption. Finally, the importance of the psychological preparation of elite athletes with an educational and global focus is described. This, it is argued, could both help athletes to avoid the risks of top level competitive sports and to cope successfully with other competitive situations in their professional lives.
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