Why Would Olympic Athletes risk using Steroids?

Posted by Admin Wednesday, September 9, 2009 4 comments

There are over 100 variations of anabolic steroids currently available, and these drugs artificially mimic the hormones in the body that stimulate cell growth, and many of them are very potent and can produce rapid growth of muscle tissue and overall body strength when combined with physical training. For athletes steroids can produce very positive effects in increasing speed, strength and endurance, but in terms of competitive sport this is perceived as giving an unfair advantage over other athletes and this combined with the many dangerous side effects of anabolic steroids means that many of these drugs are banned from professional sports.

The Olympic Committee imposes the strictest rules regarding the use of anabolic steroids and also the harshest penalties for those athletes who test positive, and severe breaches could result in the athlete receiving a lifetime ban from the sport and up to $1,000,000 fine. It is difficult to see why any athlete would risk taking anabolic steroids in order to improve their performance, but in many cases steroids appear in regular over the counter medicines, and some athletes do not realise they are taking them at all.

This is exemplified by the case of gymnast Andreea Raucan, who had her gold medal stripped from her in the 2000 Olympics after she tested positive for trace levels of pseudoephedrine. The gymnast claimed that she indigested the drug through a medicine she was taking for a heavy cold, and that it was in such low amounts and over such a short period of time that it could not have affected her over all performance. However as far as the International Olympic Committee were concerned she had tested positive and so the rules stated she had to be stripped of her medal.

Despite the fact that anabolic steroids are banned in professional sports they are still widely available, and also many non-professional athletes, weight lifters and sportsmen use these drugs to boost their performance and strength. There are many difference types of anabolic steroids, and these vary in strength and effect on the body. For example trenbolone is a very powerful steroid that was originally designed for use as a vetinary drug, and has become a popular substance in the weight lifting and body building world, as it has a highly androgenic effect that can significantly increases strength and reduce fat.

However before you buy steroids and start using them it is important that you understand the risks. Anabolic steroids are powerful drugs that can have significant side effects on the body, many of which can be very serious and long lasting such as depression, delusions, problems sleeping, high blood pressure (which can damage the heart over time), urinary tract problems and an increased risk of some types of cancer. Minor side effects can include dizziness and mood swings, and also the increased strength and performance can lead to over exertion and an increased risk of injury. ;)