Clean sport: a naive ideal or a reality under construction?

The issue of doping in sport is as old as the sport itself. Even the ancient Olympic Games attracted cheaters who wanted to crown themselves with laurels. However, with the return of the Games in 1896 and their ever-increasing presence, they became the most-watched sporting event every 4 years (or rather 2, alternating winter and summer). Then came the professionalization of the sport, which brought with it a lot of money and the importance of pushing oneself to the limit to win medals and trophies... even if it meant cheating.

Several scandals have tainted sports such as cycling, weightlifting and tennis. What's more, in 2025, a competition called the "Enhanced Games" has been announced, where athletes can take whatever they want, no tests required. This is even encouraged to go beyond the limits of the human body. Does this mean that clean sport is impossible? Not really, if we listen to lecturer and head of research Raphaël Faiss, who goes back over the question of doping and the hyper-present examinations today.

Of course, it's still possible to cheat, but it's becoming increasingly difficult. Tests are compulsory at events, and they are carried out as quickly as possible to avoid any chance of disguising microdoses of stimulants. What's more, technology now makes it possible to detect minute doses in blood or urine. It's so advanced that, by way of comparison, it could detect a pinch of sugar in a swimming pool. What's more, technology is constantly improving in this field.

What's more, the younger generation of athletes is keenly aware of the risks of cheating and, above all, of the consequences of getting caught. More recent scandals (e.g. the Russian doping system) have left their mark, and their main desire is to win legitimately. This won't stop other cheaters from trying their hand at it - it's only human. Nevertheless, we can take comfort from a general philosophy that is much more opposed to doping.

Running time: 14min39

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