Why Performance-Enhancing Drugs Should Be Banned in Sports

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have long been a contentious issue in the world of professional sports. While some argue that athlete safety and fair play should take precedence over the use of such drugs, others believe that PEDs provide a necessary edge in a highly competitive environment. However, it is important to consider the broader implications of allowing PEDs in sports.

The Arms Race of Sports

One of the primary arguments against PEDs is the so-called 'arms race' that they create. When a select few athletes start using PEDs, others feel compelled to follow suit in order to stay competitive. This dynamic is not just unfair but also detrimental to the overall integrity of the sport. Traditionalists often argue that sports should be about skill, strength, and endurance developed through training and natural ability, rather than chemical enhancements.

The Case of Maria Sharapova

To illustrate the negative impact of PEDs, let's take a look at Maria Sharapova's career both before and after she was caught using meldonium, a performance-enhancing drug.

On Meldonium

5 Grand Slam wins Highest rank: 1st Lowest rank: 12th Average rank: 7th

Off Meldonium

0 Grand Slam wins Highest rank: 26th Average rank: 75th Lowest rank: 145th

It is clear that Sharapova's performance dropped significantly once she was no longer using meldonium. This example underscores the fact that PEDs do not provide sustainable long-term performance benefits, but rather short-term gains that come with long-term health risks.

Fairness, Health, and Ethics

Using performance-enhancing drugs is fundamentally unfair to other athletes who have trained legitimately and relied on their natural abilities. When an athlete is given an unfair advantage through the use of PEDs, it undermines the very principles on which sports are based. It is the ethical responsibility of sports organizations to ensure a level playing field for all participants.

Health is another critical concern. The long-term effects of PEDs are often unknown and can be severe. For example, many performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids, can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, heart problems, and even cancer. Additionally, the use of performance-enhancing drugs can mask the severity of injuries, making it more difficult for athletes to receive appropriate medical care.

The Spirit of Sportsmanship

Sports are designed to be a fair and equal competition, where athletes compete on their raw abilities. By enhancing one's strength, speed, or endurance through illegal means, the athlete is essentially cheating. This violates the spirit of sportsmanship, which is about fair competition and respect for one's opponents.

Moreover, the use of PEDs undermines the trust that fans and stakeholders have in the sport. When athletes are caught using PEDs, it can lead to a loss of faith in the integrity of the sport and a decline in interest from spectators and sponsors. This, in turn, can have a significant economic impact on the sport and its stakeholders.

Legal Considerations

Many countries have laws banning the use of PEDs both recreationally and in sports. These laws exist not only to protect the health of athletes but also to uphold the principles of fair play and ethical conduct. Violating these laws can result in serious consequences, including legal action, fines, and even imprisonment.

By banning PEDs, sports organizations can promote a culture of integrity and fairness. This is not just beneficial for the sport but also for the athletes, fans, and stakeholders who rely on the integrity of the games they participate in or watch.

It is clear that the use of performance-enhancing drugs is both harmful and unethical. While some may argue that the benefits of PEDs outweigh the risks, the long-term consequences and the risk of unfair play make it clear that PEDs should be banned in sports.