What is Andro? Androstatrienedione or commonly known as andro is a hormone antagonist and modulator. It is a popular steroid used by professional athletes like baseball slugger Mark McGwire. The use of Andro is prohibited in the Olympics but its use in the US was only controlled in 2004 when it was included in the anabolic steroids list.

Sports organizations under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibit the use of Andro in and out of competition. So, there is no way an athlete can cheat without being caught by anti-doping officials. Just recently, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) announced that one of the country’s professional athlete was caught using the substance. Australian canoeist Michael Baker tested positive for andro during an out of competition test conducted in September last year at Challenge Stadium in Perth. Baker was given a 2 year suspension. Baker can return to the sports on October 2012.

According to ASADA, Andro has known side effects including osteoporosis, liver toxicity, and cardiovascular disorders.

Meanwhile, American tennis Wayne Odesnik returned into his sports with a win after his suspension for illegal importation of human growth hormones to Australia. Odesnik was suspended by the International Tennis Federation for 1 year and stripped of his ranking. As a consequence he has to start all over again. The former top-100 tennis player has to compete in the Futures circuit of the U.S. Tennis Association. “I really wanted to prove to everybody and myself I can do it again from scratch. And I will,” Odesnik told the Canadian Press.

The case of Odesnik is different. He never tested positive for steroids but his apprehension in an Australian airport cost him his ranking. Customs officers found HGH inside his baggage when he arrive in Australia last year for a tournament. He alleged that he purchased HGH for his recurring injury and intended to apply for a therapeutic use exemption. But his failure to follow the protocol leads to his 1 year suspension.

The tennis player has learned his lesson. “When you almost lose something overnight — that’s what I mean about being humbled by the experience,” said Odesnik. “This time around, I think I’ll appreciate tennis more and really enjoy it.” Odesnik was criticized by fellow tennis players for his purchase of HGH and trying to bring the substance illegally in Australia. HGH is a drug that is also banned by professional sports organization because of its performance enhancing effects.

“I realize I’m getting to do what I love for a living. Sometimes you take it for granted, but I see how many of my friends don’t have jobs, and I realize what it is to go sit in an office. It’s not that glamorous. For the rest of my career, I’ll always cherish the opportunity I have,” said Odesnik.

Odesnik was able to achieve his best rank in 2009 by winning a series of tournaments. He ranked 77th.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS