What would the Olympics be like if all the rules on doping were removed?
Dewey_Finn July 21, 2021, 5:56pm #21
There have been racers who were using bikes with hidden electric motors.
Telemark July 21, 2021, 6:12pm #22
Competitive swimming – DW – 07/24/2009
Swimming's governing body FINA has banned the use of high-tech 'super suits.' The swimsuits were responsible for a spate of world records but have been blamed for ruining the sport.
Yes, there were a few reasons why the suits were banned, including reduced friction and added buoyancy, as well as turning swimming into a technological race where poorer swimmers and nations would be disadvantaged.
Chronos July 21, 2021, 6:16pm #23
A better example of technology-dominated sport, I think, would be weightlifting. There are some "weightlifting shirts" that are so stiff, that the lifter can't even lower his arms unless he's holding the barbell. The shirt, in other words, is stronger than the athlete.
Robot_Arm July 21, 2021, 7:05pm #24
QuickSilver:
And I don't even think it's fair to assume that it would be at the risk to the health of athletes under most circumstances. If it was made legal, the "doping" drugs would be improved to be safer for athletes in the long run because that is a large investment to make in a champion and risk losing him/her to heart failure.
I don't think legalizing doping would lead to safer drugs. If there was a safe drug that boosted performance 50%, and another drug with side effects that gave a 51% boost, athletes would take the second one every time. There is pressure (competitive and financial) to be the best. There is no pressure to be safe, unless the governing bodies force it to happen.
Whack-a-Mole July 21, 2021, 7:40pm #25