Australian Ninja Warrior contestants were not screened for performance-enhancing drugs before taking part in Channel Nine's new show, and some contestants are concerned the decision could undermine public trust in the country's latest television obsession.
One of the competitors, who spoke to Fairfax Media on the condition of anonymity, said there was no drug testing done before or during filming – but believed there should have been.
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Ninja Warrior contestants take the show incredibly seriously – many have trained for years in the hope there would be an Australian version of the show.
While competitors aren't paid for taking part, being crowned Australia's first "Ninja Warrior" could kickstart someone's career and lead to lucrative sponsorship deals.
A spokesperson for production company Endemol Shine confirmed that contestants on the hit reality show were not drug tested, but said producers conducted extensive background checks.
"All competitors on Australian Ninja Warrior are subject to thorough assessment prior to taking part," the spokesperson said.
It is understood Ninja Warrior's other iterations – such as the popular US version – do not screen potential contestants for performance-enhancing drugs. Unlike elite sporting codes, reality TV shows are not required to do so.
A fitness and movement coach, who does similar styles of training to Ninja Warrior, said drugs such as steroids "wouldn't necessarily help" contestants.
He said it would be difficult for a competitor with a lot of body mass to scale a four-metre high wall or dangle from a small zip line.
"But there is a potential for performance-enhancing drugs to help you on the show [with alertness and recovery]," the coach said.
A second season of Australian Ninja Warrior hasn't been officially announced by Nine yet, but Fairfax Media understands it looks very likely after it has continued to smash ratings.
"We programmed Ninja as event television to be enjoyed by the whole family," Nine's director of television Michael Healy said in a statement. "We're completely thrilled that it has been embraced by Australians of all ages. It is aspirational viewing that celebrates everyday Australians embracing healthy lifestyles and fitness."
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