Gene doping could actually make Olympics fairer

genetherapy

There have yet to be any confirmed cases of athletes genetically enhancing their bodies. But this could be because none have ever been tested. Sports authorities are certainly taking the prospect seriously. [T]he International Olympic Committee said that samples from athletes competing in Rio will be tested for gene doping.

[T]here is only one sensible option: accept that there is no way to stop gene doping in the long run…

In fact, some kinds of gene doping could even make athletes healthier. Lee Sweeney of the University of Florida…has said that it would be wrong to stop athletes having a treatment like this. “I think it’s unethical to withhold from someone something that would actually allow their muscles to be much healthier now and in the future,” he [said]…

Many argue that any kind of doping gives some competitors an unfair advantage over others. But sport is already unfair. Some teams have a lot more money and resources than others…while some people have a built-in genetic advantage.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Gene doping in sport could make the Olympics fairer and safer

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