Youth Doping Warning Issued in Australia

Sports Integrity Australia's chief executive Sarah Benson has warned about performance-enhancing drug use among young athletes.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Youth

Flat gouache-painted editorial illustration of a row of plain amber glass vials on a pale surface, evoking unregulated supplement use among young athletes. — Sports Integrity Australia chief executive Sarah Benson warned Tuesday that youth doping is rising, citing a German report estimating 10 million children use performance-enhancing drugs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sports Integrity Australia chief executive Sarah Benson warned about youth doping after an investigative report by German broadcaster ARD estimated 10 million children worldwide use performance-enhancing drugs in sport. Sports Integrity Australia has also recorded increased intelligence via hotlines and website traffic regarding unregulated peptide use.

Why it matters

The findings point to a growing concern among younger athletes as Australia prepares for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Peptides and supplements widely available online are considered a driving force behind the doping figures.

The ARD study surveyed children aged eight to 17 across 15 countries and extrapolated a worldwide estimate from anonymous responses. Sports Integrity Australia's 16 violation matters from 5234 tests suggest the detected rate is far lower than the survey estimate, though the gap is not explained.

The players

Sarah Benson

Chief executive of Sports Integrity Australia, the agency responsible for anti-doping oversight in Australian sport since 2020.

Sports Integrity Australia

The national body established in 2020 that took over the anti-doping functions of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

The details

The ARD report studied 44 surveys of sports-playing children and asked them anonymously about their use of performance-enhancing substances. Benson spoke to AAP on Tuesday about the findings and the growing role of social media and online supplement sales in reaching young people.

Sports Integrity Australia was established in 2020, taking over functions from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
In the 12 months to 31 October, the agency conducted 5234 doping tests across 51 sports.
Benson spoke to AAP about the ARD findings on 10 November 2026.
Brisbane will host the Olympics in 2032, when a younger cohort of athletes is expected.

Youth Pathway

Sports Integrity Australia, established in 2020 to take over ASADA's anti-doping functions, now faces a warning that doping risk is shifting towards younger athletes ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The agency's 5234 tests across 51 sports will be tested against that younger cohort.

Parents and young athletes should be aware that peptides and supplements sold online may contain prohibited substances. Those competing in sport can check their eligibility through the anti-doping body before using any product.

The takeaway

Young athletes and their families should check any supplement or peptide against anti-doping rules before use, because products bought online may not be safe or permitted. The growing pressure of social media makes this a practical concern for everyday training.