“Arms Race of Chemistry Could Destroy Sports”: Bodybuilding Experts Mike O’Hearn and Rick Collins Unearth Why Steroids Were Banned

Published 11/24/2023, 11:23 AM EST

In the midst of speculation about using PEDs, renowned bodybuilder Mike O’Hearn, recently discussed the effects of steroids before they get banned by the US government. During his podcast discussion, a few days ago, with bodybuilder-turned-lawyer, Rick Collins, they dove into the various matters related to steroids, other performance-enhancing substances, and the new rule introduced by the FDA.

In the latest episode of Mike O’Hearn’s show, ‘The Generation Iron Fitness’, the experts came together and tried to clear the air about the use of steroids. However, they also touched upon a false speculation on why steroids got banned in the first place.

Mike O’Hearn questions a myth regarding the steroid ban

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The four-time powerlifting champion began the conversation by showing the positive impact of steroids when used correctly. He claimed that these drugs are good for the body, but get banned not because of harm but their potential misuse. He pointed out the common misunderstandings and focused on the benefits. Rick Collins explained the entire scenario with more clarity.

Collins described why steroids got banned in the US. It wasn’t because of their side effects, but because these drugs boost the performance of an athlete. With the given example, he relayed the story of Ben Johnson, a Canadian sprinter who aced the 1988 Olympics and later tested positive for Winstrol. After this occurrence, it caused chaos in the sports fraternity.

“How do we stop? How do we contain this Beast where you know, you know, ultimately arms race of chemistry could destroy Sports and so Congress decided in 1990 to take anabolic steroids and put them into that same controlled substance act with all those other drugs of abuse,” explained Collins.

Afterward, Congress made a law, the Steroid Control Act, to prevent strong use in sports. However, despite its positive effects, oddly, they put this in the same category as harmful drugs, like heroin and cocaine.

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The irony of putting steroids and hard drugs in the same category

Additionally, the lawyer further explained that steroids are like apples and oranges in the Controlled Substance Act. It was because they enhanced performance, making athletes stronger and faster. That’s what convinced Congress. About a month ago, after the FDA introduced new regulations regarding peptide drugs. O’Hearn talked about these changes with John Tsikouris, the owner of the hormone replacement therapy clinic.

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Tsikouris explained the new rules. The first schedule is under review if there’s any medical necessity. The second schedule considers it to have more risks than benefits to using them. This makes it more confusing for people because they have put all of them in this category, despite knowing that every peptide has different uses. According to the FDA, Schedule Three is totally unsafe and nothing can be used in this category. It’s completely prohibited.

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Written by:

Hi, I'm Arpita Shrivastava, a fitness and bodybuilding writer at EssentiallySports. When I started college, my fascination shifted to combat sports and I began training for Judo. I did it for two years until an injury compelled me to step away from the mat.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

“Arms Race of Chemistry Could Destroy Sports”: Bodybuilding Experts Mike O’Hearn and Rick Collins Unearth Why Steroids Were Banned

Mike O’Hearn questions a myth regarding the steroid ban

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The irony of putting steroids and hard drugs in the same category