This is a question that any competitive person out there asks themselves. Because here is the truth, if you want to be THE BEST then you are going to have to do as the best. If you want to be Mr. Olympia you will have to gear up. If you want to be a champion powerlifter its the same. If you are going to win Worlds Strongest Man you will either need an extreme genetic gift (like Samuelson) or hit the juice like Marius.
So is it ethical to use such performance enhancers. Should you do it because everyone else does and its the "standard?"
I personally have never used but considered it many times. Never very seriously. I think there is a purity to Strongman and thats a big reason I compete. But there is always that thought of "do I want to be the best and will I do whatever it takes?"
Discuss.
I chose to compete in a tested federation, and I'm not gonna try break those rules. Never been an option.
Instead, I'll support every effort done to catch those who tries to cheat in my federation. Also, I always thinks it's good when sports with anti-doping policies catches cheaters. It levels the playing field for those who play by the rules.
JMO.
BTW, I know of a few world class powerlifters who I definitely believe are clean. Which shows it's possible to get to that level without enhancers.
At least those who use should have the decency to compete in non-tested feds, I gather. That's why I think Ed Coan and the Russians are worth zero respect while guys who never been to the tested feds deserves cred for playing by the rules.
A guy like Mimnaugh also deserves cred, only competed in a tested fed when he actually was eligible.