I am constantly amazed by people who are shocked to learn that ‘steroids’ or any performance enhancing substances can be found in athletics. Where have they been? Do they really understand the history? Probably not.
Athletes have endeavored to enhance their performance since ancient times. In the days of ancient Greece, athletes would chew on animal testicles to extract testosterone. Yes, it worked. Later, athletes found that small doses of certain poisons acted as stimulants and finally in the 1930’s, Adolf Windaus received the Nobel Prize for discovering steroids ( to his credit, he also discovered Vitamin D). Steroids have been chronicled as a part of virtually every Olympic Game since their discovery.
So, we might wonder, who would want to use or benefit from steroids?
Every athlete in every sport — not just baseball players — could benefit in ways large and small…. even whimpy soccer players. It doesn’t seem to matter if the sport has money or fame… athletes appear to be looking for any edge. However, the significant — if somewhat anecdotal — heavy physical long term side effects of many performance enhancing drugs are daunting. However, the long term issues have little play with young athletes; after all, they are ‘immortal’ in their own eyes.
So, what can be done?
Outside of draconian penalties and public embarrassment… the motivation for the little edge is almost overwhelming to many athletes who will accept almost any risk as part of the game.
However, as a coach, it is important to teach athletes to look for long term success beyond athletics…. because most of us won’t make it to the ‘big leagues’… and very few make it where they can make any money. So, keeping an eye on the long term prize will make them happier and ultimately more successful in life.
One still wants to be around and in ‘the game’ when they are 60.
Roger Freberg