Chief sports writer Barney Ronay discusses the controversial Enhanced Games, where athletes are allowed to dope in a new competition challenging the Olympics. They explore the origins and implications of this anti-establishment event, along with the types of banned substances involved. Dr. Peter Angell sheds light on the potential effects of these substances on athletes' bodies.
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Quick takeaways
The Enhanced Games allow doping to level the competition, challenging traditional sports norms.
Performance-enhancing drugs in the Enhanced Games raise health concerns and ethical considerations in sports.
Deep dives
The Concept of Enhanced Games
The enhanced Games, a new type of sporting event, has stirred controversy by allowing athletes to use banned performance-enhancing drugs openly. This event aims to create fair competition by leveling the playing field despite its unconventional approach of permitting drug use. The brainchild behind this initiative is Australian businessman Aaron DeSousa, who challenges the traditional sports norms and criticizes organizations like the International Olympic Committee. While some athletes, like Australian swimmer James Magnussen, have expressed interest, major sports organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency have strongly condemned the concept.
Performance-Enhancing Drugs and Athletes
The use of performance-enhancing drugs in the enhanced Games raises concerns about the types of substances athletes may utilize and their potential impact on performance. Anabolic agents, growth factors, peptide hormones, and stimulants are among the banned substances that could enhance athletic performance. Different athletes may opt for specific drugs based on their sporting requirements, such as power-based events favoring anabolic steroids and endurance events benefiting from substances like EPO. The risks associated with these drugs include cardiovascular issues and the alteration of hormone levels, posing significant health dangers to athletes.
Ethical and Sport Integrity Considerations
The controversy surrounding the enhanced Games extends to ethical considerations and the implications for the integrity of sports. Critics express concern that the event could distort the essence of sportsmanship by prioritizing extreme performance facilitated by drug use over discipline and hard work. The lack of regulations and transparency in monitoring drug usage could lead to unsafe practices and undermine the fundamental values of sport. While some argue for the event's potential to shed light on doping practices, the overall impact on the sporting world and athletes' well-being remains a subject of intense debate.
Billed as a rival to the Olympic Games, the Enhanced Games, set to take place in 2025, is a sporting event with a difference; athletes will be allowed to dope. Ian Sample talks to chief sports writer Barney Ronay about where the idea came from and how it’s being sold as an anti-establishment underdog, and to Dr Peter Angell about what these usually banned substances are, and what they could do to athletes’ bodies. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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