During the 1930’s scientists discovered that Anabolic Steroids could facilitate the growth of muscle (skeletal) in laboratory animals. This discovery paved the way for steroids to be introduced for human use. Throughout the following decade the trend of steroids became more pronounced, the first documented use of anabolic steroids dates back to World War 2; it is believed Hitler’s German soldiers were administered steroids to increase their confidence and aggression giving them more etermination to fight for their country.
In 1955 steroids were introduced to the sporting industry, athletes used steroids to enhance their sporting ability’s especially in hard impact sports (weightlifting & football). As the years passed more sportsmen from a range of sports (cycling, athletics, and tennis) began to incorporate steroids into their daily regimes. A crack down by the international Olympic Committee which incorporated a blood test was introduced, guidelines and rules were established stating ny athlete caught taking drugs would be disqualified and possibly banned from future competitions.
Why are Steroids used In the Sporting Industry? Steroid abuse is rift in the sporting industry due to the constant demands on the athletes to perform at such high standards. There is a continuous intake of fresh young multitalented athletes integrated into all sports, with aspirations to become the world’s number one in their chosen areas. With the pressure instilled on the experienced sportsmen, their only option is to push themselves to the limit. The majority of these veteran athletes stay focused and improve on their techniques through extreme training.
A handful see the easy option and succumb to the temptation of steroids, with little thought to the consequences. Athletes Connected To Steroid Abuse In some athletes cases the threat of blood tests and disqualification hasn’t deterred them. There have been many recorded cases, the most memorable of which occurred in 1988, the Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal which he had won at the Olympics at Seoul Korea. Johnson had tested positive for the drug Nandrolone.
Another sprinter who tested positive for nandrolone was England’s own Linford Christie. Christie vehemently denied taking any substance and was later cleared in an inquiry. The most recent case recorded was in July 2003, the second highest ranked tennis player in Great Britain, Greg Rusedski tested positive for nandrolone after a routine drug test. Rusedski also claims he has never taken any enhancing drugs an inquiry has been launched, he still awaits the verdict.
