Anabolic steroids were developed in the late 1930s primarily to treat hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes do not produce sufficient testosterone for normal growth, development, and sexual functioning. The primary medical uses of these compounds are to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by HIV infection or other diseases.
During the 1930s, scientists discovered that anabolic steroids could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals, which led to use of the compounds first by bodybuilders and weightlifters and then by athletes in other sports. Steroid abuse has become so widespread in athletics that it affects the outcome of sports contests. There have been many high profile anabolic steroid abuse cases in the sporting world. Most notably the East German sporting teams during the 1980's; The recent withdrawal of 27 members of the Chinese from their 2000 Olympic Squad; Linford Christie's positive test, and consequently suspension, for nandrolone.
Kristin Otto - theEast German winner of six olympic gold medals in the pool. She claims that she was given steroids unknowingly.
Picture taken from "www.empics.com" without permission
Linford Christie - the British 1992 Olympic Champion was suspended after testing positive for nandrolone at an indoor meet in 1999.
Picture taken from "www.empics.com" without permission
