The Ethics of Sports Technology

Jul 28, 2024

The Ethics of Sports Technology and "Tech Doping"

Introduction

  • Discussion about Olympic uniforms and high-performance shoes.
  • Central question: When does sports gear become cheating?

What is Tech Doping?

  • Definition: Utilizing advanced equipment to gain an unfair competitive advantage.
  • Examples of banned equipment:
    • Swimsuits that create streamlined bodies (e.g., LZR Racer).
    • Gloves that enhance grip.
    • Bats that hit harder.
    • Shoes that enhance running speed.

The Debate Surrounding Sports Gear

  • Core issues:
    • Danger to athletes or fans.
    • Impact on the spirit of the sport.
  • Regulators often ask:
    • Is it dangerous?
    • Is it fair?
    • Can everyone use it?

Historical Context in Sports Technology

Example: Swimming

  • Olympics 1972: No goggles allowed.
  • Post-1972: Goggles become widely accepted.
  • 2008: Introduction of high-tech swimsuits like Speedo’s LZR Racer led to record-breaking performances.
    • Resulted in a backlash and ban due to concerns about fairness.

Example: Running Shoes

  • Eliud Kipchoge's iconic run: First to run a marathon under 2 hours using special Nike shoes.
  • Controversy over energy return:
    • These shoes return 80% of energy, increased from 60-65%.

Key Features of Super Shoes

  • Components:
    • Upper: Holds the foot.
    • Outsole: Contacts the ground.
    • Midsole: Crucial for energy return.
  • Nike shoes:
    • Taller foam stack and carbon fiber plate for propulsion.

Regulation of Running Shoes

  • Debate on whether they provide an unfair advantage.
  • Current regulations:
    • Limited to 40mm foam height.
    • Only one carbon fiber plate allowed.
  • Previous controversies:
    • Nike's dissatisfaction with restrictions and its impact on innovation.

Prosthetics in Sports

  • Oscar Pistorius: First athlete to compete at the Olympics with running blades.
  • Blake Leeper: Fought for the right to compete but faced restrictions due to height limitations imposed by regulations.
  • Debate over the fairness of prosthetics and the nature of enhancements versus corrections.

Conclusion

  • Continuous advancement in technology offers opportunities and raises ethical debates.
  • The key question remains: How far should technology push human capabilities in sports and beyond?
  • Discussion includes whether to regulate, embrace, or integrate advancements in technology.