To Use or Not to Use - Steroids

Dr. Ngangbam Shantikumar Meetei *

Dr. Ngangbam Shantikumar Meetei, Mr. Asia

In the history of sports competitions, it has never been so competitive like today. And for any sportsman winning the titles is the main goal, at least to be in the top three or six, depending on the sport. But today, winning without using steroids and illegal substances seem to be impossible. So, the dilemma many amateur as well as professional sportsmen facing today is this question – "Should I use steroids and illegal drugs to enhance my performance to win?"

As an international athlete myself, I used to ask the same question two years ago when the doping tests was lifted from the IFBB Asian as well as Mr. Universe championships in which I used to compete for thirteen years. As a natural body builder I used to enjoy competing in these competitions. But now as the doping tests exist no more for the last more than two years, I can see so many body builders who use all these illegal, banned substances. They look so big, freaky, hard, cut, striated and still very light to go to lighter groups.

They looked so impressive and tempting to others, especially to young body builders. But I was not impressed with their freaky size because I knew those big muscles were not real. And I also could see the consequences that lie behind those big muscles, plus, I knew these body builders wouldn't last long. Once they stop using these illegal stuffs, they won't be having even half of their present size and strength. They will sink like balloon. Not only the size, they are also risking their lives from such problems like kidney and liver failure, sudden heart failure and even sudden death on the stage, a few to mention. There are so many bad side effects of using steroids and other illegal stuffs.

I am not really worried about those professional and experienced body builders who are using these substances. They know what they are doing. It's their choice. But I am really concerned about those young and inexperienced body builders and athletes. I am worried if they would be easily tempted and follow those big, freaky body builders who have won international titles using these illegal and unhealthy substances. It's so sad to say but the truth is, so many young body builders have already copied them. Some of them already got killed by steroids, and some retired before reaching even adulthood. What a tragedy! These freaky body builders may have big muscles, size and titles, but they are not the right models to follow.

So, now the question for our young body builders is if they don't use steroids and illegal substances, then how they can win. Are there any other options that these young athletes can continue their favorite sports and still can win? They need to win to get jobs. They need to win to fulfill their dreams. Or they need to win just to be somebody. But "How?" is the question we need to answer.

Knowing my status as an experienced body builder, as an international title holder, many young and inexperienced body builders asked me questions regarding training, dieting and about using steroids and other illegal substances through e-mails and facebook messages. As a natural body builder, who has trained more than twenty three years, I answered their questions regarding training and diet very easily and happily. But when they asked about steroids and drugs, I felt sorry. After reading their questions and messages I came to know that they were very confused - whether they should use or not these illegal substances.

As every problem has a solution, every question has an answer, too. To protect athletes' health and their future from these illegal substances and to be fair in competitions, the International Olympic Committee includes doping tests under the WADA's (world anti doping association) strict and accurate procedures. Federations which have doping tests under the WADA's doping procedures banned those athletes who use these banned, illegal substances. If any athletes like to compete in such federations which have doping tests, then they have to be natural or stop using drugs for certain period of time, three months, six months or even one year depending on the drugs they use. That means a healthy sports life.

But the sad thing is that in body building contests, both the Asian federations, under IFBB as well as the other counterpart don't have any doping tests. Not only in Asian level but also the IFBB Mr. Universe or its counterpart, Mr. World doesn't have doping tests. Both the federations don't care for athletes' health. What they care is how many countries join in their federations and how strong they are. By excluding doping tests these two federations are inviting any kind of body builders, meaning more countries. IFBB Asian and Mr. Universe used to have doping tests. But for the last more than two years, there weren't any doping tests. That is the reason why I am quitting competing in these federations.

On the other hand, there are federations which have strict doping tests. These federations care about body building sport and also concerned about athletes' health and their future welfare. These are the right federations we should follow, join and support. In these federations we can compete, win and have Mr. Universe, and even Mr. Olympia titles.

We may not be as big and freaky as those body builders who compete in those federations with no doping tests, but in these natural body building contests we can still continue our favorite sport for long, win, have the same titles, and live healthy and happily, as a champion. For example, as a natural body builder myself, even though I am more than forty seven years old still but training like twenty five years young man, and competing like twenty years young, energetic man and still winning. What is more important than these things for a sportsman?

There are many NATURAL national as well as international level competitions. There are more than seventeen international natural body building contests all around the world under the International Natural Body Building Federations, which follow the WADA's strict doping test procedures. These natural federations are the only hope which can save the lives of millions of young body builders around the world, and the only and last hope for entering in the Olympic Games in the future.

Some of the competitions under these natural body building federations are for amateurs and some are for professionals. We can choose which one we like to compete according to our level and experiences. We can join the international competitions which are held in England, America, Australia or Germany, to mention some popular venues. In the very near future every country and states, provinces will have these natural competitions.

Playing a sport is not all about winning. Of course, to win is important for a good job, money, status and fame, but we shouldn't sacrifice our health, our life for winning, especially by using steroids and drugs.

There are so many supplement companies which are producing these illegal products, not really for helping athletes but for their own benefits. They don't care if you win, lose, sick or die. No company cares about us. For them, business is business.

We have to take care ourselves. What is the meaning of winnings if we have no kidneys and livers? What is the meaning of our winnings and titles if we cannot stay healthy and happily with our love ones? What is the meaning of playing our favorite sport when we lie sick in the bed or die? No MEANING!

So, my dear young friends, the best way is to believe in hard work, be patient, be persistent, be natural, and win the titles. Be healthy, be happy with your favorite sport and your family, and be a good role model for many young generations to come. Stay away from steroids and other unhealthy, illegal substances. You have the freedom to walk the path. The doors are open for you. The choice is yours. Wish you good luck.

Dr. Ngangbam Shantikumar Meetei in 2008