Facts
Fair competition in local and global competitions is a crucial element in U.S. law. In the international Olympics, every nation wants to take the leading position, with individuals seeking methods to increase their competitiveness. Doping is one of the mechanisms used by athletes to enhance their abilities to run, thereby introducing unfair competition. In any case, medical officers are responsible for supplying athletes with drugs against the law. Currently, world Olympics managers have passed a law requiring all athletes to pass a doping test, with severe consequences outlined for those found guilty of doping. In this case, doping comes out as a sensitive matter that requires punitive measures from local to international levels.
In a new landmark law, a naturopathic doctor based in Texas was charged with providing performance enhancers to athletes during the Tokyo Olympics (Pells, 2022). Anti-doping laws have been in place for years, but they have lacked legal backing. In this case, the new U.S. law has been formulated to enforce anti-doping regulations by introducing severe punishments to those found guilty of doping accusations. Another fact is that the U.S. is mandated to ensure that its medical officers do not perpetuate doping, which calls for a new landmark law.
Ethical/ Professional Issues
From an ethical standpoint, doping introduces unfair competition by giving some athletes an advantage over others of similar athletic abilities. In the case of the Texas doctor, he acted unprofessionally, abusing his role as a medical officer (Pells, 2022). He knew the law was against doping, yet he perpetuated the same conduct. At this point, the doctor cannot defend his actions in any way. Viewing this case from a professional dimension, the doctor went against the medical profession by worsening athletes’ medical attention instead of helping them become better through natural means. Doping is a temporary solution that affects a person’s ability to perform, after which negative consequences arise.
Any person who respects their abilities and interests would want to perfect them without using illegal methods to gain higher ground. The athletes found guilty of doping demonstrated zero respect for the athletic competition and limited their abilities to compete on the fairground, which is unprofessional and unethical. The athletes also took the doping drugs knowingly, thereby being partakers in illegal activities. Therefore, the doctor and his clients are all guilty and should be charged under the new law. The ethical issues here revolve around the doctor’s abuse of power and the athletes’ desire for undeserved victory amid clear anti-doping laws.
Personal Opinion
The law should be implemented fully at all levels without partiality. Those required to uphold the law should be judged more severely for breaking it. The doctor’s conduct is unethical, unprofessional, and illegal. Therefore, he should be charged and prosecuted under the law. All athletes who took the drugs should also be disqualified from participating in the Olympics. To prevent such conduct, all athletes and their doctors should be examined for doping before participating in major events such as the Olympics. Doctors should be asked to commit to the anti-doping law and be made aware of the consequences thereof. Although many nations have passed the anti-doping law, its understanding seems limited. Therefore, every country that seeks to participate in the world Olympics should examine its athletes at the national level before sending them to compete abroad.
Reference
Pells, E. (2022). Texts, Pictures Lead to 1st Doping Case Under New U.S. Law. Associated Press.