Read the article again and answer the questions. 1 What happened to: Alain Such? Thomas Hicks? 2 What does the article say about: A athletic genes? B drug testing in sport? C genetic engineering in sport? D fairness in sport? 14 Genetic engineering for athletes Cyclist Alain Such has been suspended from the Ingotel cycling team for two years after a positive drugs test at the Institute of Drug Free Sport. “I am still in shock,” said Didier Garcia, from Team Ingotel. “Alain joined our team last month, and we had no idea that he was being investigated.” It’s a story that has become very familiar in recent years, with the list of illegal drugs becoming longer and athletes continuing to look for legal and illegal ways to improve their performance. So it’s no surprise to find that scientists are considering the possibility of using genetic engineering to further develop athletes’ abilities. Dr Mohammad Farnood, a leading sports scientist from Cairo, Egypt, said: “It is thought that some athletes will look for other ways to improve performance apart from using drugs.” The use of drugs in sport has not always been illegal. In the Olympics in 1904, Thomas Hicks won the marathon after receiving an injection of strychnine (and some brandy) in the middle of the race. In fact, the first dose didn’t revive him for long, so he was given another and, as a result, he collapsed soon after finishing. Another dose may well have killed him. Things are very different today. Drug tests and bans for athletes are becoming more frequent, and some academics believe athletes may turn to genetic enhancement. “If genetics can improve performance with no risk of discovery,” said Dr Farnood, “then it’s likely to become common practice for athletes.” So, how would it work? Researchers are looking at the possibility of identifying ‘athletic’ genes and correcting weak ones. Put into practice, this would make a person healthier and, potentially, more capable of being athletic. Once scientists understand what the genes of top athletes look like, it might even become possible to identify ‘athletic’ genes in young people, and then money could be invested in children who have the most promising genes. The fact that WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) is taking it seriously shows that genetic engineering could become a major problem. However, there is another view in the debate. “People are beginning to recognise that genetics can be used in many ways to benefit society, for instance in saving lives and in creating better-quality food for more people,” Dr Farnood says. “Sport is only one example. So, those who offer themselves to be genetically engineered may be considered – in one sense – to be helping science and technology to move forward. Is it fair to use genetic engineering in sport? You could ask if it’s fair for some runners to use the latest scientifically developed footwear. The key question is whether it’s available to everyone.” Which sentences, A or B, are used in the article? Which are active? Which are passive? 1 A The Institute of Drug Free Sport has suspended cyclist Alain Such from the Ingotel cycling team. B Cyclist Alain Such has been suspended from the Ingotel cycling team. 2 A People can use genetics in many ways to benefit society. B Genetics can be used in many ways to benefit society. Why does the writer use the passive? Is the focus on: A Alain Such or the Institute? B genetics or people? Complete the sentences with the correct forms of be. Grammar refresher Passives 15 a b c be + past participle The present simple: The past simple: The present perfect: Modal verbs: It (1) thought that some athletes will look for other ways to improve performance. The first dose didn’t revive him for long, so he (2) given another Cyclist Alain Such (3) suspended from the Ingotel cycling team. Money could (4) invested in children who have the most promising genes. 1 Grammar reference and practice, p. 163 Language skills Extras Explore 10 In the news 119 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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