Dopers' hope

The GaulsAn ancient Celtic people in Western Europe. watching the race are shocked. Their hero AsterixThe main character in a French comic book series set in ancient village of Gauls. has been beaten by five Roman runners. But then he points to their blue tongues, which prove they have drunk the magic potion made by Getafix the druidA member of the high-ranking priest class in ancient Celtic religion. . The Romans are disqualifiedStopped from taking part in a competition or exam due to breaking the rules. . Asterix is declared the winner.

This is a scene from Asterix at the Olympic Games. But if Aron D'Souza and Peter Thiel had been in charge, the Romans would have kept their medals. In fact, the two would have told everyone to drink the magic potion.

Aron D'Souza is the mastermind behind the Enhanced Games. It is backed by the billionaire Peter Thiel. The basic idea is that no athletes will be tested for drugs.

D'Souza says making our bodies perform better in any way will help everybody.

He also says many Olympic athletes get away with using drugs, so the fairest thing is to let everyone take them. This can be done safely if all competitors are checked by a doctor.

D'Souza argues that the games would be more exciting to watch than the Olympics. And the athletes would be far better rewarded.

Critics are scathing about his idea. They say that results would depend on which drugs each athlete could afford.

Also, some of them would be bound to overdose. And the whole thing would set a terrible example to young people.

Travis Tygart, head of the US's anti-dopingDrugs, hormones and blood transfusions can all help to give athletes a crucial advantage. Some sports theorists say that doping is no less fair than using sophisticated technology or dietary supplements, but due to health risks and perceived dishonesty, most of these techniques are banned. agency, calls it "a dangerous clown show".¹

But some of D'Souza's arguments are hard to dismiss. As he points out, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced many accusations of corruptionWhen someone abuses their power for personal gain. It often involves bribery. . And the athletes have received much less money than the organisers.

On top of that the IOC's record on drug-testing is very patchy. No fewer than 46 athletes at the 2012 London Olympics were given the all clear after their events, but later had their medals taken away.²

Could this make sport safer?

Yes: Athletes who take drugs at the moment do so secretly, which means they cannot get the best medical advice. The Enhanced Games would allow them to do this, and also give them thorough check-ups.

No: With any kind of drug, people are always tempted to go beyond the recommended limits, sometimes with fatal results. The athletes would be bound to do this, especially with a lot of money at stake.   

Or... Even if it made sport safer, it would make it less fun. Spectators like to see athletes succeeding through their own efforts, not by having an artificial advantage over their competitors.