The first anabolic steroid (androstenone) was isolated in 1931 in Germany and synthesized three years later by the Czech-Croatian chemist Leopold Ruzicka who worked in Switzerland. The following year, successful isolation of testosterone was achieved, and the first clinical trials (administration of testosterone propionate and metyltestosterone) took place in 1937. The first users of steroids who took these substances for the purpose of increasing muscle mass and physical strength, were Olympic athletes.
During the weightlifting championship in 1954 in Vienna, the doctor of the Soviet team discussed with his American colleague about the substances which he gave to the sportsmenβ¦ He revealed the secret of the Soviet success β testosterone. This American doctor was none other than John B. Ziegler, an amateur bodybuilder and skilled chemist working for the Ciba pharmaceutical laboratories. He began his own experiments with steroids upon his return to the USA. His work resulted in the launch of a new drug on the market: Dianabol.To this day, Dianabol is still considered one of the most effective anabolic steroids in history.
By the 1960s it was apparent that some California athletes were vastly outperforming their competitors in every way and it wasn't thanks to Joe Weider's protein supplements. The era of steroids was beginning. At the time, steroids were still completely legal...
Later they were banned in official competitions. However, this prohibition has never been realized in the case of bodybuilding. Anabolic steroids are controlled substances in many countries including the United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, while in other countries, such as Mexico and Thailand, they are freely available.
