How do performance-enhancing drugs deprive non-users of thier victories?
This question seems pretty straight forward.
Athletics is about pushing the body to its limits to take on other athletes, nature, or some other physical obstacle. Genetics plays a part in this competition but that’s considered fair play. By taking performance enhancing drugs an athlete is giving himself or herself an unfair advantage. They’re pushing their bodies beyond their own natural limits by artificially adding strength and endurance, and in doing so they put other athletes at a clear disadvantage.
To understand how performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) deprive non-users of their victories, we need to break down the mechanisms and effects of these drugs.
1. Improved Physical Abilities: PEDs are substances or methods that enhance an athlete's physical abilities, such as strength, stamina, speed, or recovery. These substances can range from anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, blood doping, to stimulants like amphetamines.
2. Unfair Advantage: When athletes use PEDs, they gain an unfair advantage over those who do not use them. They can push their bodies beyond their natural capabilities, resulting in improved performance. This advantage undermines the integrity of fair competition by distorting the level playing field.
3. Enhanced Performance: By artificially enhancing their abilities, PED users can outperform non-users in various aspects such as running faster, hitting harder, or lasting longer. They may have increased muscle mass, improved oxygen-carrying capacity, accelerated recovery, or heightened alertness. These factors give them an edge over their competitors.
4. Nullifying Natural Talent: Non-users who rely solely on their natural abilities and consistent training find themselves at a disadvantage when competing against PED users. They may have less strength, endurance, or recovery capacity compared to those using PEDs. This discrepancy can have a significant impact on performance outcomes and skew the results in favor of PED users.
5. Distrust and Demoralization: When PEDs are prevalent in a sport or competition, it creates a culture of suspicion and undermines the spirit of fair play. Non-users may question the legitimacy of their competitors' achievements, leading to a lack of trust. This can be demoralizing for athletes who adhere to the rules and put in their best efforts, only to be overshadowed by those who resort to PEDs.
In conclusion, performance-enhancing drugs deprive non-users of their victories by providing an unfair advantage, allowing PED users to exceed their natural capacities, nullifying the natural talents of non-users, and fostering a culture of distrust and demoralization within the sport or competition.