In the early 20th century, the understanding of sports science was primitive compared to today's standards, and the nutritional strategies employed during athletic events were sometimes dangerously experimental. Marathon and other long-distance runners during this era were often given substances that today might seem bizarre or downright hazardous. Among these were alcoholic beverages like champagne and brandy, and even strychnine, a substance better known today as rat poison.
Champagne and brandy were popular choices under the mistaken belief that their glucose content would provide quick energy. Furthermore, alcohol was thought to have stimulant properties that could boost performance and numb the discomfort of prolonged physical exertion. However, alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant, and its actual effects include dehydration and impaired coordination, which are clearly counterproductive for endurance sports.
Strychnine, even more shockingly, was used due to its stimulant effects at sub-lethal doses. It was thought to enhance competitive edge by heightening the senses and increasing fatigue resistance. Trainers and athletes of the time operated under a dangerous trial-and-error methodology, sometimes with fatal consequences. Strychnine affects the nervous system and can lead to convulsions and asphyxia. Unfortunately, its use in sports wasn't an exception during the early 1900s. Thomas Hicks, an American athlete, famously received strychnine during the 1904 Olympic marathon and barely survived the race.
It wasn't until later in the 20th century that greater understanding and research into exercise physiology led to more effective and safer nutritional practices in sports. Today, the use of harmful substances like strychnine in sports has been banned, and the focus has shifted toward scientifically backed nutritional support, hydration strategies, and energy supplements that enhance performance without compromising the health of athletes. This evolution reflects not only advances in the field of sports science but also a broader commitment to the health and ethical treatment of athletes in competitive environments.
