Bodybuilders aren’t usually famous, as relatively few fans follow the sport. ESPN doesn’t air bodybuilding shows, USA Today doesn’t print the results of the amateur or professional events, and local media doesn’t bother showing up unless the promoter knows or pays a producer. Thus, the death of a bodybuilder— especially outside of competition— is often not reported unless he/she has achieved fame or infamy in some other way. Certainly, the death of bodybuilders who have achieved success in television or the movies might be reported, but (hypothetically) what about an unknown Mr. Vermont, the lightweight winner of the USA or a Canadian who didn’t place in the money at the Arnold years ago? There’s a famous philosophical question that goes something like this: “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” This question is designed to challenge students with the concepts of existence and perception. Is there sound if no one hears it? Does something matter or even exist if no one is aware of it?

    This concept can be applied to the underspoken dangers being embraced unknowingly by bodybuilders, strength and performance athletes. Is there any risk with pronounced, high-dose polypharmacy (using multiple drugs) if no one has heard of any problems or consequences? Some might like to think that’s the case.

    Before turning to the next article because you’re certain this is just another thinly veiled attempt to discredit performance drugs, consider that this magazine and most— if not all— of its writers believe licensed health care professionals should be able to direct and monitor the use of safe, performance-enhancing drugs distributed through legitimate channels. This is information you need to hear and listen to…it may save your life.