Discuss the negative impacts of the use of performance-enhancing drugs on sport. - Leaving Cert Physical Education - Question Question 1 - 2020

The administration of PEDs raises significant ethical issues, as it undermines the core values of fair competition and sportsmanship. Athletes who do not use these substances may feel pressured to do so to remain competitive, creating a slippery slope that can erode the integrity of the sport.

Using performance-enhancing drugs can result in legal repercussions for athletes, including suspensions, bans, and loss of sponsorships. Regulatory bodies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) enforce strict penalties that can have long-lasting impacts on an athlete's career.

The normalization of PED use in professional sports can negatively influence young athletes, who may view these substances as an acceptable means to achieve success. This can lead to early drug use and a range of health problems among impressionable individuals.

Reliance on PEDs can hinder an athlete’s true development and skill enhancement. Instead of focusing on training and technique refinement, athletes may become dependent on drugs, which can lead to stagnation in skill progression.

The prevalence of PED use can diminish public trust in the integrity of sports. Fans may become disillusioned if they believe that the competition is unfairly influenced by drug use, leading to decreased viewership and support for the sport.