Sports and Olympics cartoon. Genetic manipulation in competitive sport.
Sports cartoon or illustration. Gene doping in sport. Is genetic testing of athletes needed?
An illustration of the bulging biceps of a GMA (genetically modified athlete).
This illustration is particularly pertinent due to the approaching London Olympic Games.
The illustration shows a muscular arm (possibly of a weightlifter or shot putter) holding a gold medal signifying that the athlete has come first in an event at the Olympic Games or a similar competitive sporting event.
The bulging biceps on the arm display an armband type tattoo in the form of a dna double helix.
The implication is that the athlete’s genes (modified or not) have influenced the fact that he has won the gold medal in the competition.
Gene doping is defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as the non-therapeutic use of cells, genes, or genetic elements to improve athletic performance.
Gene manipulation for muscle enhancement in athletics and other sport has bioethical implications similar to those involved in chemical doping and other methods of gaining an unfair advantage over sporting competitors.
Genetic manipulation in athletics and other sport may include ways of increasing muscle growth, altering blood characteristics, increasing endurance, enhancing oxygen dispersal and reducing pain perception.
A cartoon or illustration about gene therapy, genetic manipulation, ethics of gene doping.
Drawn: 2012
Cartoon reference number: a231
