Does doping have a place in German gyms?
It should not come as a surprise to anyone that doping has arguably become an everyday practice in competitive sports that will continue to cause countless misdeeds. But what is the situation like among amateur and freetime athletes? This question has started to become the focus media in German speaking countries. Many popular magazines are starting to pay attention. Currently, the issue is limited to a small minority of athletes; but it is growing! Of course, nobody is willing to have an open discussion about such a taboo subject. Neither are we, to be honest. However, we think it best for everyone involved to do so anyway. And according to our recent surveys, so does our whole industry.
On November 13th 2015, the German Bundestag (German Parliament) passed a new anti-doping law. It is meant to “set a new standard for the fight against doping”, explains Dagmar Freitag, chairwoman of the Bundestag’s sports committee, in an interview with body LIFE. It is not applicable to cases of amateur and hobby athletes, as those cases remain regulated under the statutes of the German Pharmaceuticals Act “which have been included in the new anti-doping regulations, making possession of significant quantities of doping substances punishable by law”, states Dagmar Freitag.
On the same day, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) suspended Russia’s national athletics federation (ARAF) indefinitely. For years, ARAF athletes have been engaging in widespread and systematic doping. According to IAAF President Sebastian Coe there is a common consensus “that the entire system has failed, not only in Russia but in all parts of the world.” The fight against doping seems to be picking up again.
What remains to be seen is if there is a connection between professional and recreational sports? An online article that was released by one of the biggest German newspapers suggests that there is. In a laborious investigation, the authors interviewed amateur athletes like cyclists, soccer players and weight lifters. The verdict: “Many of them were recreational dopers. We also spoke with dealers, sports physicians, prosecutors, customs officers and physical therapists. We were able to form a mosaic that shapes the image of a performance addicted society. “
The collection of statements and testimonies make one thing clear: Society’s refusal to openly and consequently express disapproval of doping makes it easy for recreational users to engage in the potentially life threatening (self) manipulation. To some extent, those that do not partake even experience peer pressure. A passionate cyclist confesses in the article: “I was being scrutinized more and more because I was clean. Almost as if I had to dope in order to belong.” Eventually, he gave into the pressure and temptation and started using the anabolic steroid Boldenone among other supplements.
Dagmar Freitag on the anti-doping law’s target group: “Primarily, the anti-doping law is aimed toward doping prevention in professional sports.” The politician’s use of the word “primarily” signals that the political implications and developments concerning the subject are yet to be completely and clearly defined.
Maximum performance and success are driving factors that no longer exclusively apply to career goals. More and more amateur and recreational athletes are craving recognition through performing at their absolute peak. A clear indication is the increasing number of participants in marathons, triathlons and similar competitions. In addition to performance capability, many athletes strive toward a visually, “perfectly” toned body.
Source: body LIFE
Image: shutterstock
Published on: 4 February 2016