Video Transcript
Hi, I’m Richard Torrez, Jr., Team USA boxer and TrueSport athlete. Today, I want to talk to you about Clean Sport, and there are three things I’d like you to know. First, athletes who cheat by taking illegal supplements, energy drinks, and performance-enhancing drugs rob themselves and others have an authentic victory. Second, supplements are loosely regulated by U.S. government’s Food and Drug Administration, meaning they sometimes contain harmful ingredients. It’s important to do your research before using any supplement. And third, energy drinks have high doses of caffeine and sugar that can harm the body and hinder athletic performance.
I’m constantly being approached by supplement companies who want me to endorse their products. As an athlete, I know I’m responsible for what I choose to put in my body, and it’s important that I do my due diligence to learn more about the product before choosing to take it. When a supplement company offers me their product, I always talk with my nutritionist about the product first so I’m as knowledgeable as possible about the risks and benefits associated with it. From there it’s up to me to decide what is best in my body, best for clean competition, and best for my long-term success.
Knowing the risks often outweigh the benefits, I have chosen not to take supplements and instead use a food-first approach to my training. In the end, the results that come from competing clean are the only ones that matter. Anything else robs the athlete, their teammates, opponents, and coaches from a true victory and spoils the sport for everyone involved. Be a true sport athlete, compete clean and fair, and I’ll see you out there.
