The title says it all. EverestER, and the University of Washington have developed a survey to try and answer this question in an unbiased and objective manner. If you have attempted Everest, the survey is for you. It is anonymous, confidential and you can chose what questions to answer. I took the survey myself.
In my 37 major expeditions including four to Everest, I personally never witnessed an over use of drugs other than to illness. Some did use Diamox to accelerate acclimatization but this survey is trying to get to more serious drugs used to enhance a climber’s overall performance.
Outside Magazine did somewhat of a disservice, in my opinion, with a 2013 article entitled “Climbing’s Little Helper” where they profiled one case of a climber who abused the drug dexamethassone. The article somewhat extrapolated his case to cast a shadow over climbers in general comparing them to doping in other competitive sports.
In any event this is the letter from EverestEr and the link to the survey. Perhaps this will give us some insight into the realities of PEDs and climbing. I’ll report on their findings. I hope my opinion holds up and will be quite disappointed if I’m proved wrong on behalf of the sport I love.
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2 thoughts on “Do Everest Climbers Use Performance Enhancing Drugs?”
Alan,
I don’t know how I missed your announcement for Project 8000, but you continue to amaze and inspire me. I know you will be successful both with the climbs and the fundraising. Which of the ones you have left are you most inspired by, worried about, looking forward to – any information I would love to read. I saw the page describing the effort in general, but is there a more specific posting? I’m so excited for you and the 3 organizations you are supporting – they must be overwhelmed. I especially look forward to your efforts in 2016, but I can’t wait until you’re finished and safe. And I’ll keep on contributing (as I know that all of us faithful followers do). Train hard and be well!
Red wine and Tuborg, Alan. Does that count?
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