Doped-up athletes sue
The week's news at a glance.
Hamburg, Germany
Nearly 200 Olympic athletes from the former East Germany are suing the German pharmaceutical company Jenapharm for supplying the steroids that helped make them champions in the 1970s and 1980s. During the communist era, coaches routinely gave the young athletes banned substances they said were vitamins. Some women took so many male hormones they began to look embarrassingly like men; shot-putter Heidi Krieger opted for a sex change, and now goes by Andreas. Many of the athletes now have severe health problems. Jenapharm claims that it was not responsible for the doping scandal and blames the communist regime. In a similar case, former East German swimmer Karin König is suing the German Olympic Committee.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Labour's Brexit conundrum
The Explainer Keir Starmer backs 'twin track' strategy – build closer security ties with EU while ruling out single market, customs union and free movement
By The Week UK Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's health
In the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published