Victor Conte, Key Figure in BALCO Steroid Scandal, Dies at 75
Victor Conte, founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), passed away on Monday at the age of 75. His family and SNAC, a sports nutrition company he led, confirmed his death. In June, it was announced that Conte had pancreatic cancer.
"We are heartbroken by the passing of our fearless leader, SNAC mastermind, CEO, anti-doping advocate, creator of ZMA, former Tower of Power and Herbie Hancock bassist, Victor Conte. SNAC and his legacy will carry forward, strong and forever. We love you, Conte!"
BALCO and the Sports Doping Scandal
BALCO became notorious after it was revealed in 2003 that Conte orchestrated a sophisticated doping operation involving top athletes. The scandal implicated major figures in baseball such as Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi, as well as boxing and track star Marion Jones.
Development of The Clear
According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency, Conte collaborated with chemist Patrick Arnold to develop tetrahydrogestrinone, known as "The Clear." This synthetic anabolic–androgenic steroid was designed to avoid detection by drug tests available at that time.
Legacy
Despite the controversy, Conte remained a notable figure in sports nutrition and anti-doping advocacy until his death.
Author's summary: Victor Conte, whose BALCO scandal exposed major doping in sports, passed away from pancreatic cancer at 75, leaving a complex legacy in athletics and nutrition.