Powerlifter Mark Bell, American recordholder and top national competitor in the United Powerlifting Association, has openly admitted to using testosterone, an anabolic-androgenic steroid, since his appearance as a star of the steroid documentary “Bigger Stronger Faster*”. The Sacramento Bee interviewed Mark Bell aka Jackass aka Smelly in a positive profile piece for the newspaper (“Uplifting candor,” December 1).
Such is Bell’s lack of guile that he is one of the few powerlifters “ or athletes in any sport, for that matter “ who has acknowledged using performance-enhancing drugs. His frankness during interviews in his brother Chris’ documentary “Bigger Stronger Faster,” which drew critical raves, has raised Bell’s profile in the sport.
Actually, his profile was pretty high, anyway. Last month, he set an American record with an 826-pound bench press. He is a two-time winner of the California State Championships in the United Powerlifting Association and will go for a third title Dec. 6 in Concord.
Mark Bell discusses the surprising absence of negative feedback in response to his admission of steroid use in “Bigger Stronger Faster*.” Bell was able to fulfill a lifelong dream during the aftermath of the documentary when he opened the Super Training Gym in Sacramento.
Recordholder Mark Bell says taking testosterone played a role in his transformation – and that steroids can be used safely. […]
“It’s weird,” Bell says. “(People) come up to me and say they’ve tried (steroids), say it like a confession. People were a lot more understanding than I expected. I haven’t had any negative feedback from it.
Bell explains his motivation behind the decision to be open and honest about his steroid use.
It was the athletes’ hypocrisy, more than anything, that led Bell to come clean in the documentary and tell of his testosterone use.
“It’s better to be upfront about it,” he says. “I didn’t hesitate because I got sick of hearing athletes say on TV, ‘I think it was flaxseed oil I took.’ I understand why people don’t want to admit it. They’ve got a lot to lose.”
The Sacramento Bee attributes the belief that “steroids can be used safely” to Mark Bell. But Bell is careful to avoid advocating steroid use and takes personal responsibility for any and all risks involved by his personal use of steroids.
Which is why he’s quick to add that it was a personal decision, and that he neither recommends nor discourages others. He definitely feels teens should not use. […]
And what of the possible long-term bodily wear and tear that testosterone use might wreak? Bell says the same thing he said in the documentary: “Whatever happens from it, happens. I have no regrets.”
The article acknowledges the misconception that sports performance is solely the result of anabolic steroids and/or other performance enhancing drugs by pointing to the hard work and training involved by Bell.
Bell sees their use as something of a training supplement, an aid to help him log the time and rigorous workouts needed to achieve 800-pound bench presses.
“It’s kind of cumulative, gaining strength,” Bell says. “With the addition of the drugs, you can kind of steadily move forward.”
A visit to the Super Training gym disabuses anyone from the notion that Bell’s success is mere chemical enhancement. There is a lot of sweating, straining, grunting, ear-splitting rock music and flying chalk powder involved.
Mark Bell attempts to win his third powerlifting title at the 2008 UPA California State Championships in Concord, California on December 6, 2008.
About the author
Millard writes about anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs and their use and impact in sport and society. He discusses the medical and non-medical uses of anabolic-androgenic steroids while advocating a harm reduction approach to steroid education.
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