It should always be open season on doping, but it’s inherent to the sport, according to professor of sport economics Ruud Koning of FEB. Availability creates demand, and sportspeople will do anything to gain an edge in competition. The medical risks seem small and performance-enhancers like on-board radio in Formula 1 and high-altitude training for cyclists are also permitted. It all boils down to economics: an athlete balances costs (chances of being caught, cost of the drugs) and benefits (fame and sponsor contracts) against each other. There’s simply no such thing as honest competition.
► Read the full blog (in Dutch) on FEBlog
