by Rosemary Redfern

Created on: June 22, 2010   Last Updated: June 24, 2010

Sport implies competition which is performed with an honest attitude. Being a sport was defined as being fair, open, truthful and just. Some individuals have a natural aptitude which they can develop, and in the modern world, can become professional.  Professional sports men and women expect to be paid for their skills.  To be the best means bigger rewards and, therefore, the willingness to take bigger risks. 

There are two parts to this question. First, the physical damage caused by taking steroids in a group of people who aim to be the best in their field. Second, there is the moral aspect of cheating by taking an enhancing substance.

Muscle is needed to perform outstandingly and steroids help to develop muscle. However, steroids form naturally in the human body and have a delicate job of balance and control.  Taking too much over develops the muscles and throws out the finely tuned measures the body has. There is much evidence, published in the press, about the dangerous changes to personality and behavior caused by these chemicals. These are big risks for those who value their physical fitness.

The morality issue is one of cheating.  Why would someone who wants to be the best, wants to be admired for their skill and aptitude, wish to appear to be something they are not? What victory is there is beating others when you have cheated in how you did it? It implies that sport is not the issue but winning at any cost is more important. That appearing to be something you are not is valued more highly than truth, honesty and plain endeavor.

This brings into question the whole concept of what sport is.  Is it just fun; is it something to do to pass the time; do we have professional sports men and women to display for us what is possible; is it a means of making obscene amounts of money for the players and sponsors; is competitive sport a substitute for war or a diversion for human natural aggressiveness?

Cheating in any part of life is not an quality anyone can admire. These people are looked up to by their followers and adored because of their skills.  Children look to them for guidance because they seem to have all the answers.  

If someone becomes a professional sports person they should attempt to be the best they can on their own merits without secretly taking steroids or any other methods of artificially enhancing their performance.  Another point, their trainers and doctors must have some responsibility in this if they are doing their job properly.

Steroids should never ever be allowed professionally in sport.

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