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Minister’s warning on steroid abuse

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Rebecca Evans: ‘The use of IPEDs is not just a problem in sport – it is a wider societal issue’

REBECCA EVANS, Minister for Social Services and Public Health, has spoken out about a culture of image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) misuse that is threatening to damage the health of a generation.

Addressing a symposium at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, which brought together key partners committed to tackling the issue, Rebecca Evans said IPED-use is a growing problem – particularly in areas of South Wales.

Many IPED users are young men seeking to enhance their body image, or to improve their performance while participating in sport.

Research in Wales shows that of those accessing programmes for sterile injecting equipment for IPED use, 36% reported having started using IPEDs within the past three years – indicating an increase in usage.

There are significant harms associated with such use, including heart disease and liver damage, as well as those related to mental health, including increased aggression and depression. There is also the risk of infection from injecting drugs.

Speaking ahead of the symposium, Rebecca Evans said: “ The use of IPEDs is not just a problem in sport – it is a wider societal issue. There are a worrying number of young people, especially men, purchasing and taking illicit substances for image reasons and some then participating in community sport.

“We must reverse this culture of IPED use if we are to protect a generation of young people from the serious side effects they can cause.

“That is why I am pleased so many key partners are attending today’s symposium. Working in strong partnership with third sector, health, local government and sporting agencies, we can build on the good work already underway and tackle this issue head on.”

Public Health Wales has carried out significant work to address the problem of IPEDs, including the development of the IPED website to provide information and harm reduction advice for those using or considering the use of IPEDs.

Josie Smith, Head of Substance Misuse for Public Health Wales, said: “Over the past 20 years, we have become aware of increasing numbers of people using IPEDs across a wide demographic. Changing culture and increasing emphasis on male physique, as well as availability of anabolic steroids, growth hormone and new peptides have led to substantial increases both in use but also potentially in perceived pressure to use these drugs.

“It is vital that we ensure three things: that people are well informed and can access accurate information; that no one feels pressure to use IPEDs in order to look a certain way or improve performance; and that anyone using or considering IPED use is able to access and engage with health and other services to address concerns and make informed choices.”

Sport Wales is taking a zero-tolerance approach to IPED misuse in sport. Brian Davies, Director of Elite Sport at Sport Wales, commented: “These are key issues for us because at the heart of sport is fair competition, where people know their responsibilities and compete clean from performance enhancing drugs.

“Education, targeted testing and sporting bans are all tools that have been used to ensure the integrity of sport.

“But it is important that we understand the challenges being faced in our communities and the pressures of modern society, and we can only do this in partnership.

“Now we can make another step forward and amplify the need for people across Wales to be aware of these issues.”

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) is the UK’s national anti-doping organisation working across over 50 Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and professional sports to deter and detect doping in sport. Nicole Sapstead, UKAD Chief Executive, said:

“UKAD continues to be concerned about the number of young people who are turning to steroids for performance or cosmetic enhancement.

“Not only is it a serious issue for sport but it is becoming a serious issue for our society and a generation of young people.

“Today’s symposium is a critical part in combatting IPED use in Wales and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate and discuss the issue with a number of partners in Wales.

“This is a positive step forward in combatting this worrying trend as the use of IPEDs does not fall to one particular agency or organisation to solve. We all play our part in safeguarding the health of our young people.”

 

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More than 160 runners take on inaugural Llys-y-Frân 10km

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MORE than 160 runners crossed the finish line at Llys-y-Frân Country Park on Sunday as the inaugural Llys-y-Frân 10km brought together competitors of all abilities for a day of trail running and community fundraising.

Organised in partnership with AspireX Events and Run the Trails, the race followed a scenic route through the park’s woodland, trails and reservoir-side landscape.

Supporters gathered along sections of the course to cheer on the runners, creating an encouraging atmosphere throughout the event.

The race was held in support of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which works to protect the county’s landscape and help more people experience the outdoors.

Katie Macro, Charity Director at the Trust, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better first Llys-y-Frân 10km.

“Seeing more than 160 runners take part was incredible, and the atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic.

“Every runner, volunteer, supporter and sponsor played a part in making the event such a success, and we’re extremely grateful for the support we received.”

The Trust thanked AspireX Events and Run the Trails, particularly Jay Skipper and his team, for helping ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

Sponsors Pure West Radio, Scott Williams Motorsports, Bridaltique and HealthAspire were also thanked for helping make the event possible.

Casey from All Things Fit led warm-up and cool-down sessions for participants, while visitors were able to browse coastal clothing from Sakura.

Podium winners also received goodie bags provided by Tamlyn from Hyla.

Photographers James from JWJT Media, Lilly-Louise Clynes and Dave Marriott captured images from throughout the day, documenting both the race and the community support surrounding it.

Katie added: “It has been wonderful to work alongside so many local businesses and individuals who gave their time, expertise and support.

“Partnerships like these create opportunities for people to get outdoors, experience Pembrokeshire’s incredible landscapes and bring our community together.

“We hope this is the first of many successful Llys-y-Frân 10km events.”

The Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust said it now hopes to build on the success of the inaugural race and continue working with AspireX Events and Run the Trails to encourage more people to explore Pembrokeshire through outdoor events.

Caption: Community spirit was on show at Llys-y-Frân Country Park as more than 160 runners took part in the inaugural Llys-y-Frân 10km in support of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

 

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Bluebirds continue pre-season preparations with victory over Caerau Ely

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Second-half goals from Lewis Rees and Will Hughes earned Haverfordwest County a 2-1 win at the Bridge Meadow

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY continued their preparations for the new JD Cymru Premier campaign with a 2-1 victory over Caerau Ely at the Bridge Meadow Stadium on Tuesday evening.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the Bluebirds took control of the contest with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Lewis Rees made the breakthrough in the 55th minute, putting the home side ahead following a closely contested first half.

Will Hughes then doubled Haverfordwest’s advantage in the 62nd minute, giving the Bluebirds what appeared to be a comfortable lead as the game entered its final half-hour.

Caerau Ely responded almost immediately, reducing the deficit just three minutes later to ensure Haverfordwest were made to work for the victory.

The Bluebirds successfully protected their narrow advantage during the closing stages to record a useful 2-1 win in their penultimate pre-season outing.

The fixture provided another opportunity for the Haverfordwest coaching staff to assess the squad, build match fitness and continue preparations ahead of the beginning of the competitive campaign.

Haverfordwest will now turn their attention to their final friendly of the summer when they welcome Llanelli Town to the Bridge Meadow Stadium on Saturday, July 25.

Kick-off is at 2:30pm, with the match representing the Bluebirds’ final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations before the 2026-27 JD Cymru Premier season gets under way.

Haverfordwest County 2-1 Caerau Ely

Scorers: Lewis Rees 55’, Will Hughes 62’; Caerau Ely 65’.

 

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Saka hat-trick fires England to bronze in ten-goal World Cup thriller

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Three Lions survive remarkable French fightback to claim third place with a 6-4 victory in Miami

ENGLAND ended their World Cup campaign with a bronze medal after defeating France 6-4 in an extraordinary third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday night.

Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick as Thomas Tuchel’s side raced into a stunning four-goal lead before surviving a fierce second-half comeback led by Kylian Mbappé.

Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham were also on target for England, who secured their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966 and claimed third place in the competition for the first time.

Any fears that the disappointment of Wednesday’s semi-final defeat by Argentina would produce a subdued performance disappeared within three minutes.

Rice, wearing the captain’s armband as one of seven changes to England’s starting line-up, intercepted a poor pass from Désiré Doué before driving an emphatic finish beyond France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Saka briefly thought he had doubled the advantage after being released by Morgan Rogers, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

England did not have to wait much longer.

Rice delivered a corner into the French penalty area in the 19th minute and Konsa climbed above Adrien Rabiot to power a header past Maignan.

France struggled to cope with England’s pace on the break, although Dean Henderson was called upon to deny Mbappé after the forward cut inside from the left.

That save helped launch the move which produced England’s third goal in the 37th minute. Marcus Rashford and Saka both had efforts blocked before the Arsenal winger eventually forced the ball home.

Saka struck again in first-half stoppage time, collecting a pass from Eberechi Eze and finishing clinically to send England into the break with a remarkable 4-0 lead.

France manager Didier Deschamps responded with four substitutions at half-time and the changes immediately transformed the contest.

Mbappé pulled one back in the 48th minute after Michael Olise’s pass opened the England defence, before substitute Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further six minutes later.

England, so composed during the opening period, suddenly looked vulnerable.

Mbappé exchanged passes with Olise before scoring his second in the 67th minute, making it 4-3 and leaving Tuchel’s side facing the possibility of surrendering a four-goal advantage.

France pressed for an equaliser, with Olise passing up a major opportunity as England desperately attempted to regain control.

The decisive moment arrived four minutes from time when England were awarded a penalty. Saka took responsibility and converted to complete his hat-trick, restoring a two-goal cushion.

Even then, the drama was not finished.

Ousmane Dembélé scored France’s fourth goal in the sixth minute of added time, but Bellingham responded almost immediately, surging through the French defence and finishing past Maignan to seal an unforgettable 6-4 victory.

The result brought an emotional conclusion to England’s campaign following their painful 2-1 semi-final defeat against Argentina.

Although the Three Lions again fell short of reaching a World Cup final, their bronze medal represents the country’s strongest showing in the competition for 60 years.

For Saka, who had remained on the bench throughout the semi-final, it was a particularly memorable response. His treble placed him alongside an elite group of England players to have scored a hat-trick at a World Cup.

France’s defeat marked the end of Deschamps’ 14-year reign as national team manager, while England will return home knowing that a chaotic and thrilling final performance at least provided a positive ending to their tournament.

France: Mbappé 48, 67; Barcola 54; Dembélé 90+6
England: Rice 3; Konsa 19; Saka 37, 45+1, 86 pen; Bellingham 90+8
Half-time: France 0-4 England
Venue: Miami Stadium
Attendance: To be confirmed

 

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