Victor Conte, Central 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, the sports nutrition company he led, confirmed his death. Conte had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
“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,” a post from SNAC said on social media. “SNAC and his legacy will carry forward, strong and forever. We love you, Conte!”
Role in the BALCO Scandal
Conte was at the center of a major doping scandal that disrupted professional sports. BALCO was revealed in 2003 as the hub of a sophisticated performance-enhancing drug scheme involving renowned baseball players like Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi, as well as track and boxing athlete Marion Jones.
Development of The Clear
According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Conte collaborated with chemist Patrick Arnold to develop tetrahydrogestrinone, nicknamed “The Clear.” This synthetic anabolic–androgenic steroid was designed to be orally active and undetectable by drug tests available at that time, as it was a novel compound.
Victor Conte's Legacy
While his involvement in doping tarnished sports, Conte later became an advocate against doping and contributed to sports nutrition through SNAC. His complex legacy reflects both his controversial past and efforts toward reform.
Victor Conte’s life story embodies the intersection of innovation and controversy in sports doping, influencing both athletic performance and anti-doping efforts.