Stephen Dank
Australian biochemist / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stephen Dank (born c. 1963)[1] is an Australian biochemist who worked as a sports scientist at several professional sports club. He is known for his key role in two major sports drug cheating scandals, the Essendon Football Club supplements saga and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks supplements saga, where he injected players with illegal substances to improve their performance.
Stephen Dank | |
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Nationality | Australian |
Occupation(s) | Biochemist; sports scientist |
Known for | Essendon Football Club supplements saga |
He is known for his unorthodox treatment and diagnostic methods, including using calf blood and profiling players' DNA.[2] Des Hasler described Dank as 'a great analytical thinker', in particular highlighting his contributions in the area of GPS application, statistical science, and altitude simulation training.[3] In light of his unorthodox treatment methods, in November 2016 Dank was given a life-long ban from association with the Australian Football League.[4] On 28 November 2016, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), (known as Sport Integrity Australia since July 1 2020), officially acknowledged the decision of the AFL Appeal Board [5]
He worked with National Rugby League clubs the Manly Sea Eagles and Cronulla Sharks and Australian rules football clubs, Essendon Football Club and the Gold Coast Suns.