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Doping for Gold

In the 1970s, female East German athletes came from nowhere to dominate international sport. But behind their success lay a horrifying secret. Doping for Gold reveals the truth behind the biggest state-sponsored doping program the world has ever known, creating a timely perspective on today’s many sports drug scandals.

Series

Secrets of the Dead

Premiere Date

May 7, 2008

Length

60 minutes

Funding Type

Co-Production

Awards & Recognition

Nominee

2009 News and Documentary Emmy Awards - Outstanding Science, Technology and Nature Programming

In Cold War-era East Germany, young female athletes were injected with male hormones and anabolic steroids — all in the name of “international prestige through success in sports.” Twenty years later, many still suffer from the aftereffects —severe physical illness and disabilities. Through personal stories, Doping for Gold unveils the price these women paid to bring Olympic pride to their country.