Ask Vest Christiansen

Bio: Ask Vest Christiansen is an academic researcher from Aarhus University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Athletes & Recreation. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 20 publications receiving 263 citations. Previous affiliations of Ask Vest Christiansen include University of Southern Denmark.

Outline of a typology of men’s use of anabolic androgenic steroids in fitness and strength training environments*

Abstract: Recent research into the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in fitness and strength training environments have revealed great variance in users’ approach to AAS use and more specifically the...

Use of performance‐ and image‐enhancing substances among recreational athletes: a quantitative analysis of inquiries submitted to the Danish anti‐doping authorities

Abstract: The use of performance- and image-enhancing drugs/substances (PIED) outside elite sports appears to be increasing, although the current knowledge of the nature of PIED use among recreational athletes is scarce. The present study analyzed enquiries that were submitted to the Danish Anti Doping Agency (ADD) over an 18-month period, to gain knowledge of PIED use among individuals who exercise recreationally in Denmark. One thousand three hundred ninety eight queries were examined with respect to the age and gender of the enquirer, affiliation to sport or exercise and substance in question. The key findings were that the ADD information service is generally used by males in their mid-20s who exercise in gyms and are not engaged in competitive sports. Approximately 15% of the enquirers were users of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) or other substances banned within elite sports by the World Anti Doping Agency, and an additional 15% considered using such substances. The present results suggest that there is a pronounced interest in the use of AAS and other PIEDs among Danish gym members.

The Legacy of Festina: Patterns of Drug Use in European Cycling Since 1998

Abstract: Since the Tour de France doping scandal of 1998 there has been a concerted effort to ‘clean up’ cycling. But has this meant a change in attitude regarding the use of doping within the professional cycling community? In order to compare norms and values of today's elite cyclist with those of earlier periods, three historical phases in modern cycling are identified, and an account of professional cyclists’ preparations is given for each phase. Because of the different attitudes to doping found between riders of different categories, the article considers it necessary to reject the commonly held view that elite cyclists all take part in the same deviant subculture.

Recreational drug use and sport: Time for a WADA rethink?

Abstract: This paper examines current policies towards drug use in sport to evaluate their appropriateness. The focus is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA's) attitudes and policies towards athletes’ use of recreational drugs. Since recreational drugs such as marijuana are not performance-enhancing, one of the most frequently used arguments to justify doping controls – that those involved in drug use derive an unfair advantage over other competitors – cannot be used to justify controls on the use of such drugs. Given this, it is suggested that the attempt to control the use of marijuana within a sporting context is best understood in terms of the growing concern about drug ‘abuse’ within the wider society. The paper further suggests that the WADA has used the ‘spirit of sport’ argument to reach beyond traditionally accepted sporting concerns. In this regard, WADA is using anti-doping regulations to police personal lifestyle and social activities that are unrelated to sporting performance. On this basis, it is concluded that WADA's focus and resources should return to enforcing sporting values related to doping rather than policing athletes’ lifestyles, and it is therefore suggested that the ban on marijuana and similar recreational drugs should be lifted.

"We are not sportsmen, we are professionals": professionalism, doping and deviance in elite sport

Abstract: As a part of its legacy of being the first genuine modern sport, cycling has a proactive attitude to pharmacological developments. This attitude, however, is in conflict with the norms and values of both the wider society in general and the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) historical emphasis on the amateur ideal in particular. As such, riders who use banned substances are considered deviants or pariahs. Using Danish elite cycling as a case study, the paper will explore how these contradictory norms are reflected in today's professional and amateur riders' attitudes to doping. The paper concludes by illustrating how the entrepreneurial attitudes of the athletes have developed in different directions: While amateurs came to regard the professionals' attitude to sports as normative, the professionals had to submit to the norms of the amateurs in order to be allowed to compete in important competitions.

Feminism and Sporting Bodies: Essays on Theory and Practice

Abstract: Hall (physical education and recreation, U. of Alberta) describes her history as a feminist and applies her discoveries to the topic of women and sports. She argues that biological research is of little practical use and instead advocates for a critical analysis of power relations between the gende

Outline of a typology of men’s use of anabolic androgenic steroids in fitness and strength training environments*

Abstract: Recent research into the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in fitness and strength training environments have revealed great variance in users’ approach to AAS use and more specifically the...

Doping in elite sport - do the fans care? Public opinion on the consequences of doping scandals

Abstract: There are indications that commercial stakeholders are reluctant to associate with sports involved in doping scandals. A survey of 925 Norwegian sports consumers supports this reluctance, showing no tolerance for pure doping substances. The majority were in favour of tough responses to athletes and sports involved in doping. Older respondents were more negative towards doping. Those who were strongly interested in sport were more willing than others to accept doping.