zero doping – cero dopaje

It is a fact. The belief that a drug is doing you good, can manifest itself as the symptom that IT IS doing you good. Mind over matter. Trials have shown that chalk pills can work wonders if the person believes they are a beneficial drug.

Which brings an interesting problem

It is clear that many athletes respect religion, indeed regard firm religious belief as a corner stone of success.

One of the celebrated cases was “eric lidell” whose story was promoted by “chariots of fire” – the belief that his athleticisim was a gift of God, and he used it as a soapbox to promote faith.

But thereby hangs an interesting question.

If the placebo effect is know to achieve positive results.

If the athletes believe that their success is due to a higher power.

If athletes carry religious artefacts – take rosary beads and consider they have a positive value, then the placebo effect will make belief come true.

Is this using artificial performance enhancement to improve performance?

Is this doping by psychological means?

This blog aims to stimulate discussion. It cannot answer such questions. What do you think?