Hi Slowtwitchers. I am doing some research for an article to be published in Triathlete Magazine on the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) by age group triathletes. I have constructed a completely anonymous and confidential survey that I am hoping people might complete so that I can get a sense of the prevalence of this issue and get a feel for the attitudes towards PED use and testing in the triathlon community.
Seems like every time somebody posts on this topic there are lots of people who “know someone” who is using PEDs, but there are very few specifics given. Then there are the posts about pros being caught and the subsequent anger and calls for increased testing.
You call the actual survey “Doping among triathletes.” This carries a negative connotation. Not a big deal but odd and maybe counter-productive for an anonymous survey. (Like asking for anonymous data on spousal abuse.)
You ask about taking “illegal substances” and list e.g., testosterone, epo. I wasn’t aware these were illegal substances, I thought they were just banned by various sporting agencies.
For AGers that have taken testosterone, at least, you may limit your data in a survey by only asking “did you take it for the SOLE PURPOSE of improving your performance in triathlon TRAINING?” I think many male AGers will take testosterone in part because it may help with training / performance, but also b/c it corrects “low” natural testosterone levels and/or helps with general energy level, sex drive, etc. Same with HGH and maybe others I don’t know. So I’d add a follow up: did you take it at least in part to improve your performance…
Slowtwitch is great for gathering survey data. I wrote a paper on public perceptions about the livestrong foundation given a possible doping conviction, and got 450+ survey responses from ST.
Coming from a social scientist, you might want to add a don’t care option to the question…you are forcing a decision at the end that people may not have.
Also, adding an… people take PED’s for cosmetic purposes, but not for gains in racing may be a question or option to add, as some people i know take drugs for cosmetic purposes but 100% have no interest in enhancing triathlon results.
For your article I will suggest reading up on how doping tests are done in Sweden and Norway. Everybody doing sports has to agree on testing in and outside of competition. The national sports body has as it goal to catch doping users. Do they test everybody, no that is not the best way. They do targeted testing based on input. The mentality is totally different regarding doping use than here in the USA.
I wanted to thank everyone who has taken this survey and let others know that it is still open in case anyone is interested in still taking it.
Also, to those who commented here or in the comments section of the survey, thank you. The comments you have made are excellent ones. I unfortunately cannot modify the questions now that the survey is open but would to reflect the excellent points that you made. I did test the survey prior to going live with it and made several changes before bringing it here but now I see that you can never get enough testing done.
A very interesting correlation you’re missing out on might be the correlation between a person’s performance level, their suspicion of doping, and their perception that it is a problem.
I usually come top 5-10% in my AG, which usually translated to 2nd or 3rd on the AG podium at each race this season. I know that I don’t use PEDs, and since the guys beating me aren’t THAT much better, I doubt they are either. The guys on the top step and the guys coming DFL may or may not have a different perspective, but you won’t get that data.
I want to once again thank everyone who responded to the survey. I also want to thank everyone who commented here and on the survey site.
The results so far are interesting and I hope will make for some healthy discussion when incorporated into the article. The survey remains open so if you are interested in completing it and have not yet done so, please do (the link is above).
I have one final request; I am looking for someone who has used PEDs who would be willing to speak with me for my article. This would be an on the record conversation but I would guarantee your anonymity if you request it. (Those who would question the ethics of this please do so elsewhere, this is standard practice).
If you are interested in helping me with this please PM me. Thank you in advance and thank you again to everyone who has completed the survey. I genuinely appreciate it.