Mr. David Epstein, M.S.
Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated
"Sports Doping: Still the Rational Choice?"

Senior writer David Epstein joined Sports Illustrated in Sept. 2006 and quickly established himself as an authority on medical and science issues in sports. Epstein has been recognized by a number of bodies for his outstanding science journalism. Notably, he was honored by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association for his 2007 SI cover story Following the Trail of Broken Hearts, about a congenital cardiovascular abnormality that took the life of a friend and former training partner. He also won the Horgan Award for science writing while a student at the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. His areas of specialty include science and medicine, track and field and mixed martial arts. He was part of SI's Olympic team in Beijing, where his beats included boxing, track and field and the environment.

Epstein graduated from Columbia University in 2002 with a B.S. in environmental science and astronomy, and holds master's degrees in journalism and environmental science from the school. His work has appeared in Discover, Scientific American, US News and World Report and The Guardian, among other publications.

An avid runner, Epstein was a member of Columbia's varsity track squad (he ran the 800) and was twice named to the All-East and All-Metropolitan teams. Asked his favorite sport to cover, Epstein says he is partial to the Olympic track and field competition. "It's the only sport with potential world champions from

every inhabited continent and I enjoy interacting with athletes from different cultures, many of whom are competing on a stage vastly different from anything they've ever experienced," he says.