Technological doping, or "tech doping," refers to the use of advanced technologies to gain an unfair advantage in sports or other competitive activities. This can include specialised equipment, devices, or enhancements that are not equally accessible to all competitors or that undermine the principles of fair play. Examples range from athletes using custom-designed footwear or bicycles to performance-boosting gear that exceeds the limits set by competition rules.

Tech doping is not new. For instance, the Olympic Games have long banned full-body swimsuits made from polyurethane and neoprene, like the Speedo LZR Racer developed in collaboration with NASA to give athletes an edge. Similarly, in January 2020, Nike's Alphafly shoes—dubbed "the shoe that broke running"—were prohibited by World Athletics after it was discovered that they could enhance running efficiency by 4% and speed by 3.4%.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the line between innovation and cheating becomes increasingly blurred, raising significant concerns among elite sporting authorities and fans alike. While technological progress is a natural part of sports evolution, certain advancements risk compromising the integrity of competition.

The inevitability of tech doping

48%, of those surveyed believe that tech doping is inevitable as technology progresses, and the focus should be on ensuring equal access for all athletes. As technological innovations continue to emerge, completely preventing tech doping is unlikely. Athletes have always strived to gain an edge, and now, with developments in advanced footwear, performance-enhancing wearables, and even gene editing, the concept of a level playing field is evolving.

To maintain the integrity of competition, it is crucial to ensure fair access to performance-enhancing sports technologies. One strategy is to implement clear regulations that govern the use of SportTech, ensuring it is available to all athletes, regardless of their financial or institutional support. Collaboration between governing bodies and technology developers could lead to the standardisation and subsidisation of essential advancements, making them affordable and accessible across all levels of sport.

Transparency is also vital. Sharing information openly about available technologies and their potential impacts can help prevent unequal distribution of benefits, a view shared by 38% of survey respondents who agreed that some technological enhancements are acceptable, provided there are clear guidelines in place. Conversely, 10% of respondents believe that tech doping undermines the integrity of sports and should be strictly regulated.

Impact on high-level competitions

A significant 71% of survey respondents agreed that wearable technology, bespoke software and AI could create substantial inequalities in professional sports if only some athletes have access to superior technology.

Tech doping has been a significant concern for the organisers of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. As technology continues to advance, ensuring a level playing field becomes increasingly challenging, particularly with the potential misuse of performance-enhancing wearables, biomechanical aids, and advanced prosthetics in the Paralympics.

Interestingly, 5.5% of respondents took a different stance, suggesting that wearable tech, bespoke software and AI could level the playing field by helping all athletes optimise their performance.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are working closely with governing bodies to balance innovation with fairness, ensuring that no athlete gains an unfair advantage through tech doping. The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate, performance-enhancing technologies that benefit all competitors and those that give some an unfair edge.

Despite these concerns, 18% of those surveyed believe that the impact of wearable tech and AI on athlete performance at high-profile events will be minimal, asserting that talent and hard work will always be the primary determinants of success.

Distinguishing fair play from unfair advantage

Legitimate sport technologies refer to innovations in equipment, training methods, and performance aids that are widely accepted and regulated within the sport. These advancements aim to enhance performance while maintaining a level playing field. Examples include improved running shoes, aerodynamic cycling gear, or data-driven training programmes, all of which are typically accessible to all competitors and approved by governing bodies to ensure they do not confer an unfair advantage.

In contrast, tech doping involves using technology in ways that violate the spirit of fair competition. This could mean employing equipment or enhancements that provide a significant, often secretive, advantage that others cannot match. Unlike legitimate sport tech, tech doping is generally prohibited by sports regulations because it skews competition in favour of those with access to superior technology, rather than relying on natural ability, skill, and effort.

In the survey, 44% of respondents advocated for an outright ban on any technology deemed as "tech doping" and not considered legitimate sport tech. Meanwhile, 36% suggested that technologies should be classified based on their impact, with some allowed under certain conditions. Another 14% argued that all technology should be permitted as part of the sport's natural evolution.

Propel Tech founder and director, Andy Brown, who coaches the women’s under 15 team at Huddersfield Town A.F.C, which the company also sponsors, says:

“Vast developments in technology touch every industry, and sport is no exception. SportTech is an exciting and intriguing area of IT, from both a device and software development point of view, and innovations in this area are not going to stop. In fact, they’re likely to shape the future of sport as we know it. Therefore, sporting bodies must prioritise the creation of rules and regulations around SportTech, and find ways to embrace and incorporate it in ways that are accessible and fair.

“I very much buy into the idea that innovators in the SportTech field have a responsibility to support the accessibility and transparency of their technologies, and wholeheartedly support the concept of tech companies collaborating with sporting bodies to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy all the exciting advantages SportTech can offer.”

What’s your view on tech doping? If you didn’t get a chance to complete our survey and would like to share your feedback, please contact us.