Schwarzenegger Says 'No Regrets' on Steroid Use
Sat Feb 26, 2005 02:46 PM ET
Printer Friendly | Email Article | Reprints | RSS

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he has no regrets having used steroids to pump up his bodybuilding career.

"I have no regrets about it," the seven-time Mr. Olympia told ABC News in an interview to be broadcast on Sunday. "Because at the time, it was something new that came on the market, and we went to the doctor and did it under doctors' supervision."

Schwarzenegger, who once boasted biceps as big as many men's thighs, has long admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. In 1996 he said steroids were something he "had to do to compete."

But the latest comments from the Austrian-born action film star and politician come as a steroid scandal grips professional sports, leading to calls for congressional hearings on the matter.

Schwarzenegger, who won his seventh Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition in 1980, told ABC he still discouraged drug use.

"Because it is the wrong message, like you say, to the children," he said. "But people should take food supplements. People should be able to take the vitamins and all of the nutritious stuff that is available. But stay away from drugs.

"We were experimenting with it. It was a new thing," said Schwarzenegger, 57. "So you can't roll the clock back and say, 'Now I would change my mind on this."'

The Republican governor's "no regrets" attitude on steroids highlights the occasional waves that he has made within his political party. President Bush in his 2004 State of the Union address criticized athletes who "are not setting much of an example" by using steroids.

-----------------------

May be true, except for those small testicles and heart valve problems.....AH.....ERRRRR....AHHHHHHHH.....allegedly.

Well, he did have a heart surgery that's well known about.

To be fair to Arnie, weren't the risks of steriods much less known in his days?

By the late 1970s to mid 1980s, they were becoming very apparent.

Still, to say knowing what you know now, that you would still do it, is irresponsible of a man in his position.

I'm not quite sure if that's what he's trying to say, though he may come off that way. It appears to me that he can't turn back the clock, and doesn't want to lie. But, we all have our different interpretations of politicians, right?

At least he's condemning such drug use to others today.

Yeah, I get the impression that Arnie is not the type of guy who ever really "regrets" anything, even if it is something he wouldn't do again if given the choice. Like smoking hash during a gangbang at a gym and then giving a nationally published interview about it. No regrets though.

--PunkDavid

I can see why he'd do it again. If I can make you a better athlete and earn you millions of dollars, and turn you into a hollywood megastar, but you may have to trade a few years on your life expectancy?

I'd have a hard time turning that down.

I think not feeling the need to apologize and saying you'd do it again are two different things and you'd like to see a governor make the distinction.

Like Jay-Z said, "Hove did that, so hopefully you won't have to go through that."

So, he's going to give his Mr. Olympia titles back then?

Who's going to get the Mr. Olympia title then, Lou Ferrigno?

Arnie's in someone's pocket is what he is.

For what? Everyone was doing steroids in the bodybuilding community then.

Plus the shit wasn't even illegal back then.

Of course he has no regrets. He didn't become famous because of his acting ability!

Arnold owes everything to roids. There were many Bodybuilders way genetically superior to Arnie.

He would be a no"body" right now.

I wouldn't say many. Arnold was incredible as a bodybuilder. I think he was genetically gifted also.

*fixed

Everyone but the "clean" body builders, who just know how to cycle it better than the others so as to test clean, but not necessarily BE clean.

without steroids arnold would be on welfare.

*wel-faih

--PunkDavid

Good Lord - I was KIDDING!