How far off is the first genetically modified athlete?

The creation of a marathon mouse has prompted experts to question whether the same could happen in humans. To find out more, Reuters has talked to UKAD's chief executive Andy Parkinson about the potential of a genetically modified athlete.

Recent scientific studies have found that it is technically possible to use genetic modification to improve sporting performance. What is more intriguing is that surveys of elite sports people have shown that athletes are prepared to risk their lives if they could be guaranteed to win gold medals.

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) oversees the control of performance enhancing drugs in Britain, and says genetic manipulation as a form of performance enhancement "is currently a theoretical rather than a proven issue".

However, Mr Parkinson said: "I wouldn't be surprised if someone out there is trying to do it, and I think that's very worrying."

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is certainly concerned about genetically modified doping, and said it has injected a significant amount of money and resources into research finding detection methods in this field.

Gene doping could give an athlete an unfair advantage by altering their genetic make-up and improving performance by increasing muscle growth, blood production, endurance, oxygen dispersal or pain perception. It is feasible that athletes may even be using it at this year's Games, as it is currently undetectable.

Chris Cooper, a professor of sports and exercise science at Essex University, told Reuters that the likelihood of this is slim, and the focus should instead by on athletes using established performance enhancers such as anabolic steroids and blood doping.

There is little doubt that laboratories of the future will need to be prepared for this. Thomas Springstein in 2006 showed that people behind some athletes were at least thinking about genetic modification as a way forward, which is enough for anti-doping industries to get ahead of the game.

Posted by Neil Clark