Genetic engineering in sports is becoming a more popular issues in the fitness/performance world. One area that is not being discussed with this issue is the psychological concerns for the athlete and even the fan. Knowing that individuals may be genetic enhanced would put a different perspective on cheating. How would we now define cheating? Would cheating have to be some more than physical enhancement? Steroid use is considered cheating by many, so the assumption would be that genetic engineering would be too.
But as a fan would you want to know who was genetically enhanced? Would a list come out every few years? There are so many questions that cannot be answered easily but I have one that may be worth discussing.
What would genetic engineering do to an athlete’s psyche?
Being prepared to play/compete at a higher level is not necessarily due to being physically bigger or stronger. Its about understanding and being able to do the work and be successful. Being stronger doesn’t guarantee that your game performance improves, often there is an adjustment period to managing the “new” strength and abilities. Also when an individual is working towards reaching professional levels confidence is a big component.
So let’s consider this scenario, there is an elite college school football prospect. Everyone projects that with his talent if he gets stronger and faster he will not only be a high draft pick but also a top player. So he goes through some genetic therapy and gains a ton of muscle and strength. Now, as this “perfect” athlete enters the NFL he is not so great anymore. Smarter players keep out performing him. Where does his confidence go? Now what does he do?
Or how about this scenario. A fringe player uses genetic therapy to increase his strength and size. Due to this he makes himself more competitive for a spot on a team despite his actual ability not increasing. What message does it send to his teammates about being on the fringe?
The ripple effect is sometimes truly unknown until the situation arises but one thing is for sure, when this does happen it will change how sports are played and watched. (note: as you can read, I said when not if. I do believe this is in our sport future.)
Two sites giving both sides of this issue from a bio/medical viewpoint:
Links to Genetic Engineering and Its Dangers
Current News In Genetic Engineering
Tags: cheating, drugs, genetic engineering, genetics, Psychology, science, sports heroes
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