I’m working on a story about triathlon and doping and I’m trying to get a sense of what people think. So.
Is doping a big problem in triathlon?
More so than cycling or running? In the amateurs? Pros? Why do you think so? Why have fewer people been caught?
Kelly O'Mara 
Interesting question! I’m guessing it’s not as big a problem as in cycling or athletics (or the big-money “sports” such as NFL, NHL, golf etc). But I’m sure it happens. I bet you there are a lot of age groupers undergoing hormone therapy from anti-aging clinics and taking supplemental testosterone… whether it’s too intentionally cheat or just a reaction to our aversion to the natural aging process. I’m sure it’s an issue – but what percentage of the field is a good question. Good luck!
That’s sort of my feeling too.
I’m sure it’s there, but who really knows how much? I heard someone say recently, age groupers (particularly the uber-competitive must do Kona) won’t bat an eye dropping $2K+ on a pair of race wheels, what’s to say they wouldn’t do other less then ethical things to get what they want? I can’t imagine it’s running rampant, but triathlon attracts the type of personality that can sometimes be a win at all costs mentality. I imagine fewer people have been caught because the testing isn’t as rigorous? I’m not sure how it compares to cycling or running, or how many pro’s get tested/how often. There is hardly any age group testing, and the very few that there are would probably be fairly easy for people to get around. Do the big $$ sports (NFL, Major League, NBA) really even test? I didn’t think so, but more importantly, I don’t think the fans care.
I think it’s happening in triathlon and if it’s happening, it’s a problem. I’ve seen the podium (from the audience!) at several USAT AG National Championships and while I don’t have proof, it sure appears that many of those who finish top 10 are supplementing with SOMETHING!
Yeah, I hear a lot of circumstantial talk about amateurs doping in triathlon, which is curious, because I actually don’t hear that much about pros. So, I think it’s interesting.