Natural Bodybuilding vs. the "Other" Side of the Sport

Since this blog is entitled NATURALLY Strong, I figured I should get a post out there dealing with the insane state of the professional bodybuilding world. Many people do not realize that there are multiple federations out there in which physique athletes compete. Some of which self impose mandatory strict drug testing policies that are on par with those of the IOC (International Olympic Committee), one such federation is the WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation), this is where I compete. Others mascaraed around acting as though they care about this matter and have so called "random" drug screening. The most prevalent of these in the IFBB (International Federation of Body Builders). The fact that they do not have mandatory drug testing is not so much the issue, but rather the blind eye that gets turned to the glaringly obvious abuse of anabolic steroids, growth hormones, diuretics and other dangerous performance enhancing drugs that their athletes "must" use in order to be competitive in their organization. Some may beg the question; "Who cares", if it isn't something you subscribe to then pay it no mind. Well the problem is, that in the growing popularity of the subculture of bodybuilding, the IFBB reigns king. Why? Perhaps it is because this is the federation in which Arnold Schwarzenegger was a part of, and without a doubt, he is the most identifiable bodybuilder of all time. Kids still idolize "The Austrian Oak", and he has been out of the competitive scene for decades, and doesn't even posses the extreme physique any longer for which he was so well know. Or perhaps it is due to the ironically ever growing obsession the American public, who insist that in order to be better, it must be bigger! Either way, there is no denying that the "enhanced" athletes in this sport are the ones who the kids are turning to as idols. This is arguably worse than professional athletes in more well know sports using drugs to give them an edge. Not because it is more acceptable for them to use, but rather due to the blatant abuse shown in the bodybuilding community. The health risks in this arena are much more extreme and dire simply because of the perverted use of anabolic steroids and the like.
Looking back to why I got involved in this sport, I realize that it was a motive seeded in the desire to attain a healthy body and achieve as close to the ideal male physique as possible. The operative word in the last sentence being; healthy. I doubt that any IFBB Pro can honestly say that they are driven in any way by the concern to remain healthy. IFBB champions are capable of making a very comfortable living competing. This is due to the sponsorships that they receive, but also the prize money for winning big shows like the Mr. Olympia. Last year first place at the Olympia walked away with over 150,000 dollars with prizes sitting on top of that. Even 10th place earned almost 15,000 dollars. For comparison, the 2007 WNBF overall world champion walked off the stage with 6,000 dollars, and no one under 3rd place received a dime. And they all did it completely drug free. That displays the sort of sacrifice, commitment and hard work that the youth of America should really be looking up to. So you tell me, are our principles in the right place here? Shouldn't we be rewarding the athletes who are exemplifying the true passion for the sport and the qualities that we want our children to learn, with the sponsorship contracts and the greater prize money. Instead we are telling our youth that we hold cheating, drug abuse and winning at all costs with no regard for health as our highest concern. To me that is completely irresponsible and sad.

This sport used to be one that showcased what could be achieved physically if you were patient and willing to work hard for something, and it was shown through grace and aesthetics. Today, this sport showcases physiques that are beyond extreme, through cheating and drug use, and it is shown with disproportion and a distended stomach.

2007 WNBF World Champion -
Lifetime Natural Bodybuilder

8 Time IFBB Pro Mr. Olympia