'Pistorius steroids can heighten aggression'
South African Olympian 'to be tested for substance'
18 February, 15:26
(ANSA) - Rome, February 18 - Steroids such as those
allegedly found in the home of Oscar Pistorius can lead to
heightened aggressiveness, the Italian head of the International
Federation of Sports Medicine told ANSA Monday.
"Absolutely yes," said Fabio Pigozzi, who is also a member
of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). "(Steroids) have a clear
effect on aggression. They're dangerous drugs, not just for the
body but also the mind".
Pistorius will be tested for steroids after police
allegedly found the banned substance in his home following the
killing of his model girlfriend, according to reports Monday.
Reeva Steenkamp, 30, died in the early hours of February 14
after being shot in the head and arm in what Pistorius, 26, has
described as an accident.The South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete claims he shot Steenkamp after mistaking her for a burglar.
However local media report that neighbours called the police two hours prior to the shooting due to a heated argument between the two.
Police also reportedly recovered a bloody cricket bat from the bedroom and said that Steenkamp's head had been battered. Media have reported that there was evidence of heavy drinking before the shooting took place. A bail application has been set for Tuesday while Pistorius remains in police custody.
The case has attracted strong media attention due to the high profile of the suspect, who is is known as the "blade runner" because of the blade-like carbon-fibre prosthetics he runs with.
South African media have already re-named him the "blade gunner".
Pistorius made sporting history at last summer's London Games when he became the first amputee sprinter to compete in the Olympics proper.
The athlete reached the 400m semi-finals in the London 2012 Olympics and is a multiple Paralympic gold medallist.
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