The abuse of doping agents in competing body builders in Flanders (1988-1993)

Analytical findings of unannounced doping control in body builders in Flanders during 1988-1993 are reported. In some federations between 38 and 58% of the controlled athletes were found positive during this period. The results show that there was no fall in drug abuse over this period and steroids were taken even by body builders associated with an organisation against the use of anabolic steroids. In 1988 and 1989 popular anabolic steroids were nandrolone and testosterone. From 1990 on, a wide range of mostly injectable steroids including nandrolone, metenolone, drostanolone and testosterone were administered. Polydrug abuse including several anabolics in combination with stimulants and diuretics was also widespread. The beta agonist clenbuterol was detected in several urine samples taken in 1991, one year before its appearance in other sports.