Is caffeine banned at the Olympics?

Answer 1

No, caffeine used to be one of the substances checked for by the IOC but the World Anti-Doping Agency removed caffeine from its list of banned substances in 2004. A urinary test that returned an amount of 12 micrograms of caffeine per milliliter was considered by the IOC as a deliberate attempt to gain an advantage. Although not banned, it is still being checked for and should the WADA find enough athletes that have an elevated level of caffeine in their system, they will revisit their policy to determine whether it should go back on their list of banned substances. Bakhaavaa Buidaa of Mongolia was stripped of his silver medal in judo at the 1972 Games in Munich due to elevated levels of caffeine. Alex Watson, a fencer from Australia who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul was also banned due to an elevated level of caffeine in his system.

Answer 2

Caffeine was, at one time, but was taken off the list of banned substances in 2004 by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The IOC is still checking for caffeine in its doping tests and has said it will revisit banning it if elevated levels are found in competing athletes.

Answer 3

Not at all. It is perfectly legal do take substances that common people eat and drink.