What percent of Olympians are on steroids?

By Jayson Panganiban April 11, 2024 12:34

Photo by Evlakhov Valeriy/Shutterstock.com

Anabolic androgenic steroids, commonly known as anabolic steroids, are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, the male sex hormone, and have been used for medical purposes for many years.

They are known for their anabolic (increase in skeletal mass) and androgenic (masculinization) effects.

Athletes often use high doses of anabolic steroids to enhance their performance, despite the potential dangerous and irreversible side effects associated with their use.

Prevalence of Anabolic Steroid Use

According to a study conducted in the first half of 2013 among bodybuilding athletes in Kerman, Iran, the prevalence of anabolic steroid use was found to be high. The study, which included 298 male athletes, revealed that the lifetime prevalence of anabolic steroid use based on self-reports was 24.5%.

But the crosswise model, a different method used to estimate prevalence, yielded a higher figure of 56.8%. Participants estimated that 40% of athletes referring to bodybuilding gyms had used anabolic steroids in their lifetime.

Comparison with Other Studies

The prevalence of anabolic steroid use among athletes has shown an increasing trend worldwide.

Studies in various countries have reported different prevalence rates, with figures ranging from less than 10.0% among US athletes to around 20.0% in Iran.

Notably, the prevalence figures reported in these studies were based on self-reports, leading to concerns about the accuracy of the data due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

Challenges in Estimating Prevalence

The Kerman study highlighted the challenges associated with estimating the prevalence of anabolic steroid use.

The use of multiple methods, including self-reports, projective questions, and the crosswise model, aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence.

The crosswise model was suggested to be a more valid method for estimating prevalence in the setting of bodybuilding gyms.

Implications for Olympians

While the study focused on bodybuilding athletes in Iran, it provides insights into the prevalence of anabolic steroid use among athletes.

The high prevalence of anabolic steroid use among bodybuilding athletes raises concerns about its potential impact on the broader athletic community, including Olympians.

The study's findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address the use of anabolic steroids in sports and the potential health risks associated with their misuse.

Insights from Olympic Testing

In 1989, a report from the New York Times revealed that more than 50 male athletes who competed in the Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, were found to have used anabolic steroids in the six months before the Games.

The report indicated that 5 percent of the 1,100 male athletes tested at the Olympics had used the drugs in training.

Notably, the sophisticated examination of male urine samples several months after the Games provided empirical evidence of athletes using banned substances to enhance their performances.

These findings raised concerns about the effectiveness of testing procedures and the ability of athletes to use drugs and evade detection.

On the whole, the prevalence of anabolic steroid use among athletes, including Olympians, remains a complex issue. The use of anabolic steroids presents significant health risks and ethical concerns in the world of sports.

The Kerman study and the insights from Olympic testing highlight the challenges in accurately estimating the prevalence of anabolic steroid use among athletes.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including improved testing methods, education, and support for athletes to compete without resorting to performance-enhancing substances.

It is essential to prioritize the health and integrity of sports to ensure fair competition and the well-being of athletes.

The prevalence of anabolic steroid use among Olympians and athletes in general is a significant concern that requires ongoing attention and efforts to mitigate its impact on sports and the athletes themselves.