Beyond Steroids: Designer Genes

Beyond Steroids: Designer Genes (2005, 17 Mar) Washington Post, by Paul Farhi [link]

Article pitched on the congressional hearing of US baseball stars. Ted Friedmann predicts a 'genetic version of BALCO' is just around the corner and the possibility of detection is discussed. Sweeney predicts a problem in another decade, but these sorts of predictions are really unreliable. They vary considerably depending on who is making the claim and what political agenda is assumed.

Friedmann does, as usual, raise the more challenging question about where society draws the line on using genetic technology, though it would seem that his interest is to preserve enhancement-free sport.

He says he would 'like to admire an achievement without wondering whose achievement it really is'. Well, too late! You need already wonder. Athletes are parts of a system, not machines, but not isolated either.