"Anabolic Steroids in Sports"

A Strength Coaches Perspective on Anabolic Steroids in Sports

Before There Were Steroids

Was there ever really a time when the epidemic of anabolic steroids in sports didn't exist? That may be what future generations of sports fans ask themselves.

I can remember watching the Celtics, Red Sox, Pats, and Bruins with my Dad when I was young. I remember watching Larry Bird's Big 3 win championships at the old Garden before the new Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen were to add banner #17 this year.

I remember watching Ray Bourque on the Garden ice. I remember watching Steve Grogan on the gridiron. I remember the old Patriots logo. I remember Mike Greenwell playing left field long before "Manny being Manny".

I don't remember wondering at that time if any of those guys were "juicing".

The Asterisk

Now, with the addition of the asterisk, the record books in our favorite sports have been changed forever.

And who is to say what is right or wrong?

That debate will likely unfold for years to come. What is unfortunate and often overlooked is the impact this is having on millions of young, sports fans who may never fully understand the definition of sportsmanship and the allure of purity of competition.

The Next Generation of Athletes

In watching the Olympic trials today and Rafael Nadal's win over Roger Federer in the Wimbeldon finals, it is amazing and inspiring to see lifelong dreams come true for many of these athletes.

And even as world records are broken, it seems odd to hear quotes from the announcers such as, "returning from a 2-year suspension for banned substances".

It makes me wonder what is going through the minds of younger sports fans and younger athletes, (who may be trying out for the town soccer team this weekend or one day represent our country in the Olympics), as they sit with their families watching the next chapters in the history of sport unfold.

An Eventual Acceptance?

I hope that we never see the day where both fans and sports executives have given up on the possibility of a level playing field and are forced to succumb to an acceptance of performance enhancing drugs in sport.

As a Personal Trainer and strength coach, I aim to send the message to clients and athletes that nothing beats hard work and consistency. Shortcuts only lead to deadends.

Hopefully, the majority of our young athletes are beginning to embrace healthy eating, good nutritional habits, and structured workout routines as their means to success in sport.

More than anything else, let's hope that it is still fun for them.

It will be weird to see all the 9-year olds nicknamed "Big Mikey" skipping high-school to play for our favorite major league teams...

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