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Strength Athletes

There is an often misguided presumption that aesthetic differences between athletes indicates doping. Stength athletes suffer from this stigma. A bodybuilder's perfectionistic strivings and concerns prove to have a postitive relationship with doping, largely because it is the only sport where an athlete is judged mainly on their apperance rather than their performance. These bodybuilders reported far higher positive attitudes towards doping than athletes from any other sport as it is a widely accepted practice and their peak age is much later at 37 years old.

 

Luke Debono is just 24 but is already setting the competition alight. During his PHD studies in sport science, he won the European Amatuer Arnold Classics - one of the sport's most prestigious awards. Luke spoke about his experience of doping and how he believes kids are affected.

It is widely assumed that athletes competing in events which require exceptional strength are more likely to take performance enhancing drugs than athletes competing in endurance sports. Whilst this stereotype may be true in some instances, it still does not make up for the exceptional hard work these athletes have to put in to reach these heights, with some training at least twice a day. Brian Shaw, four time reigning World's Strongest Man, agrees with Luke that a level playing field is essential in all forms of sport, not just strength categories.

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