Ethical Issues in Contemporary Sport: Major Paper
Drug Testing should be abolished for athletes in Sport
Australian distance runner Ron Clarke argues that there are no drug screening tests available that can catch all those athletes that use performance enhancing drugs. This he concludes, means that the International Olympic Committee should get rid of all testing. This is an option, however, it is not one that is best suited as the solution. It is true they will never catch all athletes, however, if they were to get rid of drug testing this may in a way condone the use of performance enhancing drugs in the highest level of sports. Also, would this get rid of a form of protection for the athletes, if there was no deterrent from using drugs, athletes may take more drugs because it is legal, and lead to possible deaths. Finally, if drugs were made legal in sport, athletes again may consume more because there would be no punishment. The punishment serves as a deterrent for the athlete so they will not take drugs. Punishment for use of drugs is needed to govern the sports world and keep athletes in check.
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