Fastest, Highest, Strongest: A Critique of High-Performance Sport

Fastest, Highest, Strongest presents a comprehensive challenge to the dominant orthodoxy concerning the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport. Examining the political and economic transformation of the Olympic Movement during the twentieth century, the authors argue that the realities of modern sport require a serious reassessment of current policies, in particular the ban on the use of certain substances and practices. The book includes detailed discussion of: The historical importance of World War II and the Cold War in the development of a high-performance culture in sport. The changing Olympic project: from amateurism to a fully professionalized approach. The changing meaning of "sport." The role of sport science, technology and drugs in pursuing ever-better performance. The major ethical and philosophical arguments used to support the ban on performance-enhancing substances in sport. Fastest,Highest, Strongest is a profound, critical examination of modern sport, of interest to both students and scholars in the field of sport studies, as well as sociologists, political scientists, policymakers, sports administrators, and athletes themselves