In the early 1970s, the athletes of East Germany started to achieve incredible sports results, winning medals and setting new world records with astonishing frequency. For many years, their sporting supremacy was hailed as a triumph of the socialist government's commitment to scientific research and innovative training methods.

However, after the Cold War ended, the Stasi archives revealed a sinister secret behind the successes: a perverse doping system imposed by the government itself. Drugs were administered to young athletes, often without their consent, and the price their bodies are now paying is very high, both physically and mentally.

 I talk with Joseph Tudor, whose new book Synthetic Medals reveals the events that led to the discovery of the state-doping system and the subsequent trial. It also explores the state's motives for this crime against its own people.

0:00 Introduction and Joseph Tudor's perspective on East German doping2:04 Sponsor: Call to support the Cold War Conversations podcast4:12 East Germany's adoption of artificial methods to enhance athletes' performance10:43 Unveiling the East German 'athlete machine'17:47 The International Olympic Committee's suspicions about East Germany's success21:44 Prevalence and detection of doping in East German sports26:05 Resistance and consequences against Stasi's involvement in sports31:49 Discovery of State Plan 14.25, East Germany's state doping program34:03 Legal challenges surrounding East Germany's doping program38:39 The devastating side effects of doping drugs on athletes45:30 Legacy of East German athletic success and the role of doping52:37 Athletes returning their medals due to guilt of doping56:13 Sponsor: Promotion of the book 'Synthetic Medals: East German Athlete's Journey to Hell'57:05 Closing remarks and promotion of the Cold War Conversations storeTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨

Extra episode info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode264/

Buy the book here https://amzn.to/3gVZbtI and support the podcast.

==========================================================Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/

If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.==========================================================

Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversationsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices