Should drugs be banned in sport? (Part two - As Medication)

Drugs in sport have been an issue for many years, but not many people realise some banned drugs are in vital medicines the athletes might one day need to survive. So why are these drugs banned? Well scientists suggest that any athlete that needs such medication isn’t fit to compete anyway. So a ban in this instance could save them, because a sick or injured athlete shouldn’t be out playing competitive sports.

Another argument against medication being the exception to the ban is simply that if they take pain killers then this will enhance their performance and is therefore cheating. Killing the pain will stop any pain happening during the sport, which will then result in the athlete being able to work harder for longer.

In part one of ‘Should drugs be banned in sport?’ I revealed that I believe performance enhancing drugs shouldn’t be banned. This was because although they help your performance, they cause long term damage to the athlete and that the athlete should get clued up on the facts before taking anything. However, this so called “medication” has no side effects. It is also hard to get hold of as it has to be subscribed, so the lucky athletes will have a huge advantage and this is unfair.

I understand some athletes need the medication to survive, but then maybe it’s their time to give up the sport and get a new job. Life is unfair and only a few people have it in them to become athletes and if you need medication which will help you play sport, then you shouldn’t be playing.

Let’s keep sport fair and kick out anyone who is subscribed any major medication by their doctor. So in answer to part two: Yes it should be banned, partly for their safety, but mainly because it’s only available to a few who will get an unfair advantage from taking the pills.