Ade Rai, is a “Drug-Free” professional bodybuilding athlete. Very few people can claim to be Steroids free, especially in professional bodybuilding. Bodybuilding Sport is synonymous with Steroids which is a very sad reality.

Not only because of its bad effects, but for its rampant use and abuse, but also pushing of the drug to newbies and arrogant people as well as uncontrolled use by so-called true “Bodybuilding Athletes.”

Ade Rai first visit to the Philippines was in 2001 for Musclemania Philippines held in October at the AFP Theater. Ironpinoy.com produced and promoted Musclemania until 2003 when Jerick Ternida won the overall. Back then, until now, Ade’s reputation has cast doubts and disbelief.

Following is an interview conducted a few years back when Ade Rai was accused of using Anabolic Steroids. I hope, through Ironpinoy Magazine and Ade Rai support towards educating Bodybuilders towards a drug-free natural bodybuilding sport, we will encourage the new generation and the ones that are promoting and using AS will stop and think about the fitness industry as a whole.

THE INTERVIEW

What is your opinion on the use of steroids for physical improvement or sports performance? I have friends who, upon looking at your photos, do not believe you have achieved your physique without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Some guys I talked to at a local gym even testified that you bought your gear from him.

Thank you for coming straight to me for clarification. I used to be irritated by people who accuse me of using performance-enhancing drugs. But, now I see their opinion as compliments.

I know it is beyond their realm of knowledge and comprehension that I have achieved my physique with only total adherence to a regimented and drug-free workout and dieting program. For a long time, man could only dream of flying until the Wright brothers bravely stepped forward with their inspiring invention or dashing a mile under 4 minutes until Sir Roger Bannister achieved such a feat.

I would not dare to put myself in their league, but I am trying to pinpoint that we are only limited by what our minds could conceive. The fact that we are the master of our mind tells us that we are in total control of how much knowledge we are willing to absorb, hence creating a new realm of reality and comprehension. We are therefore definitely in total control of what we dare to believe and achieve.

From the beginning of my career as a bodybuilding athlete, I have always viewed bodybuilding as the pinnacle of the fitness lifestyle. A strong muscular body as the end product should project health, vitality, vigor, and a positive state of mind. The use of performance-enhancing drugs is simply achieving a similar-looking body that is risking and negating all the qualities I just mentioned.

For me, achieving a shapely physique through honest hard, and smart application of fitness knowledge is like working hard and smart to better net worth so as to be considered wealthy, while achieving a shapely physique through the use of performance-enhancing drugs is like borrowing a large sum of money for the same hope (to be considered wealthy).

I have competed on many levels (regional, national, and international) on numerous occasions most of which are drug-tested. The tests range from a polygraph test (lie detector) to urine tests with full compliance with the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency standards.

I have also been subjected to random drug tests that ordered me to give my urine sample on the day the order is issued. All the drug tests read negative for performance-enhancing drugs.

I am aware that many drug (steroids) dealers have mentioned my name as their loyal customer in attempts to lure potential buyers. But I have no control over what other people say or want to believe.

What I do have in control is my conscience, and I believe I have it intact within me. At the end of the day, we will all be asked to look at the person in the mirror and held accountable for our past. I look forward to that day. Ade Rai.