Local professional bodybuilder speaks out on steroid usage
Following the arrest of two Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen pupils, after they were caught in possession of steroids, local sports persons and bodies have spoken out about the issues of performance-enhancing drugs in schools.
The boys, aged 16 and 17, have since been released into their parents’ care, according to police.
The incident occurred a day after Western Province rugby player Gerbrandt Grobler was banned for two years after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.
A Boksburg professional bodybuilder, who chose to remain anonymous, said one of the issues of steroid usage within school grounds is that pupils are often influenced by the wrong people.
“They see all these fit, bulked-up, good-looking professional sportspersons and think that it takes only the consumption of steroids to look like them, forgetting that it takes hard work and time, whereas children want quick results,” said the bodybuilder.
Asked what the dangers of steroid usage are, he responded: “Shortage of life basically – you’re vulnerable to heart attacks, liver damage and being busted by cops and getting arrested.”
The local athlete said it is unnecessary for pupils to consume anabolic steroids.
“The male body produces a lot of testosterone between the ages of 18 and 25, which is vital for muscle growth, so these kids don’t need to take steroids, because they’re at that age, meaning they’ll grow anyway.
“Testosterone levels start dropping from around the age of 30, so, if a natural guy trains without using steroids before 30 and decides to consume steroids, he’ll be much bigger than a guy who starts using steroids before 30, because taking it before that age damages natural testosterone production.”
Asked what advice he would give high school pupils who are serious about sports regarding performance-enhancing drugs, the Mr Universe competitor said seeking advice from professionals and following the right diet has successful results.
“I’d say the best thing for school pupils who are serious about sports is having a coach and listening to him/her. Also, train harder and you’ll achieve your goals.
“This applies to every sport, work harder and you will achieve your goals the same way steroids would achieve them for you.
“The diet you follow is also important, listen; it’s all in the diet. ‘Stay away from takeaways and cook your own healthy food.
“This could include vegetables, Jungle Oats – good nutrition cooked the right way. I’m not going to say children should not eat junk food, because the body needs solid meals too, so they can have junk food only at the weekends and eat correctly during the week.
“Supplements also help. Supplementation is highly formulated these days and, with the competition within supplementation companies, the products will only get better. The right food and good supplementation will get you results.”
