Doping in armwrestling must be one of the sport’s most pressing issues, it never loses momentum. Lack of control on the national levels is a green light for people, who want to take shortcuts on the way to medals. But it doesn’t mean that everybody is juicing. And yet, how can one verify if a sportsman is clean or not? And what of those who train for years, and still remain in the shadow of those who juice freely?

There’s only one solution – doping control, and one pressing need – financial support. In Russia, tests are run mostly on national levels, which is starting to bear fruit. Those who used to “use”, start to think again. And those who don’t think, get eliminated from having a chance at Europeans and Worlds. But that’s only main events. There’s full freedom at the “hedges”. Money issues, the evil circle closes.

It’s similar in other countries. Lack of testing = lack of fair play. Some strive for years to become Master of Sports, other get there by shortcuts. And the latter develop with astounding speed. They become national masters, but then, when it comes to performing international – they start making excuses. Some claim lack of money, others lack of skill for performing at that level, others yet say that they can’t take time off work. And there are people who make even more fantastic excuses.

We’re only talking the worst cases here, but their numbers are growing lately. Why? With doping people get faster, stronger, more resilient. They don’t have to wait to evolve. That’s why beginners lose faith in their capability to get anywhere. And so, they too try to catch up faster. And start using.

Is this a trend that will lead everybody to the same end?

Let’s try to look at the root of the issue and find out why do armwrestlers use doping. Read on at armpower.net, soon. And leave your comment, please.

Artur Grigorian