... Arnold Classic remains a showcase for drug-enhanced 'freak' physiques

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http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/02/20/GOVERNOR.TMP

The muscle marketplace
Schwarzenegger raps steroid use, but the Arnold Classic remains a showcase for drug-enhanced 'freak' physiques

Edward Epstein, Chronicle Washington Bureau
Sunday, February 20, 2005

When federal drug agents swept in to subpoena current and past competitors at the annual pro bodybuilding competition staged by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, it was a sharp reminder of the pervasive connection between the sport and steroids.

Despite Schwarzenegger's repeated pronouncements that steroids are harmful and should be banned from the sport, there is widespread use of steroids, human growth hormones and other illegal performance-enhancing drugs among competitors at the contest that bears his name.

As he has since he and a partner created the Arnold Classic in 1989, Schwarzenegger -- seven-time winner of bodybuilding's top prize, the Mr. Olympia contest -- plans to attend when the winner is crowned and receives the $100,000 prize on March 5 in Columbus, Ohio.

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