'Black market muscle builder': Startling details about drug found in Aussie's system

Startling details have emerged about the banned drug found in Shayna Jack’s system.

The Australian swimming star faces a ban that looks set to sideline her for the Tokyo Olympics after revealing her B sample tested positive to Ligandrol.

But what exactly is Ligandrol?

Also called LGD 4033, Ligandrol is a ‘selective androgen receptor modulator’ (SARM) - drugs that help increase muscle mass and bone density.

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SARMs also help treat conditions that cause muscle-waste such as ageing, osteoporosis, muscular dystrophy and cancer.

Ligandrol is sold on the black market, popular among gym-goers as it reputedly builds muscle without the usual side effects associated with steroids.

ASADA’s warning about Ligandrol

In 2018 the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority were forced to issue a warning about the drug.

In November, ASADA said an “increasing number of athletes” were being linked to Ligandrol.

“Athletes are warned that not only is LGD-4033 prohibited in sport but it is not yet cleared through clinical trials,” the ASADA statement said.

“Information on the safety of LGD-4033 is scarce due to a lack of … clinical trials …

“It should be noted that a number of SARMs have associated health risks, particularly for the heart and liver.

“The possession of LGD-4033 without appropriate authority is illegal.”

Nine athletes have reportedly tested positive since 2015.

NBA star Joakim Noah was banned for 20 games for using Ligandrol in 2017, as was college football quarterback Will Grier in 2015.