The Scientific Revolution in Sport through Genetic Doping Emilia de Abreu Antonelli, Luciano Pereira de Souza, Andressa Felix Lisboa

Abstract

At a time when the improvement of sports performance among high-performance athletes is increasingly sought, there is a valuation in discussions about the use of methods or substances that improve physical development. Objective: To analyze what has been the opinion of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in relation to genetic doping, and possible impacts of the development of genetic engineering in competitive sport. Methodology: The research technique used was bibliographic, with the use of a critical-narrative approach. Result: The use of genetic doping has been prohibited in sport since 2003 by the WADA. The subject is relatively new and involves ethical and health issues. However, there are studies that speculate on the ethical conditions of validity of a possible solution to the issue of technological improvement of athletes, which would involve the creation of rules that place competitors on an equal footing to the extent of their limitations. Discussion: Genetic doping consists of the modification of the genome, including by transgenics, or the modulation and control of the functioning of non-modified genes so that the athlete can be improved. Conclusion: It is observed with the results presented that the theme needs further studies. In view of the development of technologies for editing and controlling gene expression and its growing use in humans, a possible future solution in the field of sport would be the creation of norms that allow the use of genetic doping, including to promote inclusion and reduce inequality among athletes.