Athletes as young as 12 are using performance or image enhancing drugs, according to a new study finding the practice may be going unchecked because of a lack of drug testing.
The three-year study by the University of Canberra and Griffith University has found use of performance enhancing drugs and supplements was now relatively prevalent among young elite athletes.
The study – which will be presented at the University of Canberra on Wednesday night – interviewed more than 900 athletes between the ages of 12 and 17 and found about 4 per cent of elite junior athletes were using performance or image enhancing drugs.
About one in three young athletes use nutritional supplements.