doping

Russian athletes are overwhelmingly banned from participating in international competitions, but this does not exempt them from taking doping tests. And one of these checks brought a shocking result.

Nine different prohibited substances were found in the sample of the famous Russian champion. This is almost certainly a world record. And the most amazing thing is that the offender not only does not deny guilt, but is even proud of himself.

Nine types of doping in one sample

The news itself about the discovery of prohibited drugs in the bodybuilder’s body is unlikely to surprise anyone. It is almost impossible to achieve such a relief that allows you to compete for prizes at major competitions without the help of pharmacology. However, the 2017 Russian junior champion and 2021 Russian Cup bronze medalist Anton Gerasimov went even further. In May, he won the prestigious Arnold Classic Africa tournament in South Africa in the amateur category and took fourth place among professionals. However, a doping test taken from Anton at those competitions showed the presence of nine prohibited substances at once.

According to TASS, the International Bodybuilding Federation disqualified Gerasimov for six years. Such a severe punishment is due to the prohibitive amount of prohibited substances found in his possession. Thus, the athlete will be able to return to the platform in August 2029, when he will be 34 years old.

Among the types of doping found in Anton, five are steroids, three are diuretics (substances that help remove fluid from the body), and one more drug is designed to reduce the side effects of the others.

Worst by a large margin

It is safe to say that Gerasimov set an anti-record for Russian athletes, which was confirmed by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency. In world history, the leader of the dubious ranking is considered to be the American cyclist Kyle Leogrand, who, at the end of his career, was caught on a bouquet of seven drugs.

Gerasimov does not dispute the presence of any of the nine drugs, hinting that in bodybuilding of the highest achievements no one can do without pharmaceutical support.

— In Africa, out of about 400 athletes, samples were taken from only two. And so sport is outside of politics, yes,” Sports.ru quotes Gerasimov as saying.

Nothing to lose

According to Anton, he came to the use of steroids consciously when he already had victories in competitions. The main thing, in his opinion, is to approach doping head-on.

— If we consider the concept of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), then we have long ago adopted it for women in the form of contraceptives. And for some reason this is the norm for everyone, but testosterone for men is evil. Although in developed countries, HRT has long been used for men who are not ready to experience certain kinds of difficulties when they reach the age of 60—or even earlier.

I don’t want to demonize doping, because thoughtless use of the bathhouse also poses a threat. You just have to know that you shouldn’t do this,” says Gerasimov.

The most curious thing is that from a career point of view, nothing will change for Gerasimov. He, as previously planned, will completely focus on professional performances, where there is no doping testing in principle. So very soon Anton can add to his collection of awards.