Germline Doping for Heightened Performance in Sport

Abstract

In recent years, gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-cas9 have begun to enable the genetic makeup of organisms – including humans – to be precisely designed and engineered. Human embryonic gene editing is both nascent and highly contentious, with many in the scientific community cautioning against its use. However, given the long history of new technologies being used to confer a competitive advantage in sport, it is likely only a matter of time before human embryonic germ-line editing is explored to heighten athletic performance. As the technology develops, there is an urgent need to better-understand the legal landscape around germ-line doping to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes, and the integrity and value of the sports they participate in.