Tainted Past, Uncertain Future

Illegal and 'Stupid'

Not all steroids are dangerous. Some are used in medicines that treat health problems such as cancer, asthma and allergies.

But anabolic steroids are made to build muscles by mimicking a hormone in the body called testosterone (pronounced tess-TOSS-tur-own). Though illegal without a prescription, the drugs are available on the Internet and on the street under names such as "arnolds," "gym candy," "pumpers, "roids" and "juice."

Anthwon Broome, 11, who plays soccer on a Boys & Girls Club team, says he's never heard of kids his age taking illegal steroids. But his father has warned him about the drugs. Anthwon says that he and his friends think it's "stupid" for anyone, especially professional athletes, to use them.

"Athletes have talent, and they shouldn't ruin their careers because of one drug or one mistake," says the sixth-grader at the District's Friendship Public Charter School-Chamberlain Campus.

Doctors and coaches hope that other kids agree.

Darius Stanton, an official with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, says young athletes refuse drugs when they feel good about themselves. Stanton says that kids should think beyond winning -- that sports is also good exercise and a way to develop personal skills such as leadership and teamwork.

"Winning is important, but it's not the most important thing," he says. "The most important thing is the effort you put into it."

And that doesn't come in a drug.

-- Katherine Shaver