Ep 1. Doping for Gold

Doping for Gold is an episode of the popular documentary series Secrets of the Dead, which explores the unknown and often forgotten aspects of history through technological advancements and modern-day investigations. In this particular episode, viewers are taken back to the 1956 Olympic Games held in Melbourne, Australia, and the controversial events that unfolded during the women's track and field events.

The episode sets out to uncover evidence of doping and drug abuse within the Australian and American teams, shedding light on the lengths to which athletes have gone to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge. Through interviews with experts in the field, including sports historians and analytical chemists, as well as archival footage and photographs from the time, viewers are shown a fascinating and intricate web of deception and cover-ups.

One of the key themes of the episode is the social and political context of the period, in which the Cold War was at its height and countries such as Australia and the United States were keen to demonstrate their superiority to the Soviet Union. The desire to win, it is suggested, led coaches and athletes to resort to unethical tactics in order to come out on top. The story that unfolds is not just a tale of cheating and deceit, but also one of the pressures faced by some of the world's top athletes.

Throughout the episode, viewers will learn about Australian runner Shirley Strickland's experiences during the Games, including her frustration at being beaten by Hungarian athlete Maria Itkina who was suspected of doping. The story is given additional context through her personal memoirs, which are read by an actress to accompany archive footage from the time. Similarly, the experiences of other athletes are explored through interviews with their relatives and other experts.

By delving into the science of doping and the techniques used to test for it, the episode also highlights the ethical debates surrounding drug use in sport. Through the use of archival footage, viewers will see the inadequate testing procedures used at the time, which made it possible for athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs without being caught. This has led to a broader discussion of the role of science and technology in contemporary sport, and the attempts by international bodies to regulate doping.

The episode does not shy away from the controversy surrounding its claims, however. It acknowledges the difficulties in gathering evidence from a time before sophisticated testing procedures and modern forensic techniques, and the subjectivity of many of the sources used. Though viewers will be presented with a convincing case that doping was a significant problem during the 1956 Olympics, the program acknowledges that it may never be possible to know the full extent of the problem.

Overall, Doping for Gold is a fascinating and informative episode of Secrets of the Dead, which offers a fresh perspective on a historic event that has long been clouded in controversy. Through captivating storytelling and expert analysis, viewers are taken on a journey of discovery and enlightenment - one that prompts us to question the value we place on winning at all costs. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or simply interested in uncovering the secrets of the past, this episode is a compelling watch.