I imagine that the temptation is more to cheat in order to attain what you ‘ought’ to be able to achieve, given perfect conditions. Considered in that way, it’s

I imagine that the temptation is more to cheat in order to attain what you ‘ought’ to be able to achieve, given perfect conditions. Considered in that way, it’s no longer about seeking something you don’t deserve by deception and more like trying to avoid random fluctuations that seem like they ‘shouldn’t be part of the competition’. ‘If only I hadn’t torn that ligament a few years ago, I’d probably be very slightly faster. I deserve to win this because I’m naturally better. In a perfect world I’d win. By taking this drug, I can negate the unfortunate circumstances and ensure I live up to my true potential.’, etc. In reality, of course, it’s still plain old cheating. But I imagine it’s fairly easy to rationalise it in your head by thinking along these sort of lines. It’s probably not the same sort of feeling as robbing someone in the street — your morals can remain genuinely intact.