Quote Originally Posted by Notlob till i die View Post
Again referring back to my previous point, surely Paula Radcliffe is doing so. I am sure that someone will correct me but using this as an example I think is a false example as performance enhancing drugs are used mainly in distances far less than what could be classed as endurance events.
Notlob I'm glad you've brought this up.Paula Radcliffe does use drugs that are on the banned list, but She's given exemption because of a condition she claims to have.

She takes the asthma medication Salbutamol.This drug is a very potent Bronchodilator(relaxes the airways in the lungs)and stimulant.It increases the breakdown of glycogen(sugar) to provide energy and also stimulates the release of red cells.It is so potent that it can make your hands shake!

It is on the banned lists because of its SIDE EFFECTS, not the main effect for which it is given.Many world class athletes have used this drug including Miguel Indurain and Jan Ullrich.Doctors give a certificate stating the athlete has Asthma and they're allowed to compete.

Even if an athlete has Asthma, they still gain the performance enhancing effects of the medication, and therefore have an unfair advantage.

Should athletes with conditions requiring performance enhancing medication be allowed to compete?

I don't think they should.If we're to make it fair!