KUALA LUMPUR — Bodybuilding legend Datuk Abdul Malek Noor has warned young athletes against consuming banned substances that can lead to severe consequences.
Malek’s concerns were sparked by a recent doping scandal involving a bodybuilder who tested positive for a banned substance, specifically a performance-enhancing drug, during the 53rd National Bodybuilding Championships in Johor Bahru.
The Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (Adamas) confirmed that the test results revealed prohibited substances in the athlete’s sample, which included metabolites of Stanozolol, such as Stanozolol-1-N-glucuronide and 16beta-Hydroxystanozolol.
With six Mr Asia titles and experience participating in Mr Universe, Malek cautioned newcomers that resorting to these substances not only jeopardises athletic integrity but can also have dire health implications.
He also revealed the alarming accessibility of these illegal drugs, as they are readily available online, putting young athletes at risk.
“Banned substances are easy to obtain, but is it really worth it to take them just to win competitions that may only offer a few thousand ringgit in prizes?
“When you resort to these drugs, you expose yourself to a host of health risks. Today, you might feel proud of your achievements, but in the future, you could face serious issues like kidney disease, heart problems, and blocked blood vessels.
“And let’s not forget the side effects; using these substances can lead to acne on your back, a sharper jawline, and other visible changes that no athlete should have to deal with,” said Malek.
At the same time, Malek suggested that doping tests be conducted during training sessions to tackle the issue of banned substances, particularly among bodybuilders.
“If you want to catch athletes using banned substances, you should conduct tests during their training or off-season. This is because most athletes tend to use these substances during the off-season,” he added. — September 20, 2024