The Views of Elite Bodybuilding Athletes Concerning Doping Training, Their Level of Knowledge about Doping, and Values Education in Sport

Abstract

The objective of this research study is to reveal the levels of knowledge of the elite bodybuilding athletes and their
views about doping training; additionally, to evaluate the views of the participants from the standpoint of sport
values education. The research was conducted as a phenomenology model, which is one of the qualitative research
methods, and interview method was used. The research group was comprised of 13 national athletes (3 women and
10 men) from Turkey in bodybuilding branch. The 'Personal Information Form' and 'Interview Form', which were
prepared by the researcher, were used. The data were analyzed via content analysis method, which is one of the
qualitative research methods. Consequently, it was concluded that the bodybuilding athletes had low levels of
knowledge concerning doping, national and international federations did not conduct information training about
doping, it was important for the athletes to be successful in the contests, there was an increase in the use of doping,
and that they were not competing on a level playing field.