Editor,—Any paragraph that starts with the statement “We must be cautious, however, that such research is not misused.”¹ is obviously completely ignoring the history of science in general and sport in particular. From the post hoc hand wringing of the Manhattan project scientists to the current debate about “genetically modified organisms”, it is manifestly obvious that, if there is money or fame (or both) to be made on the back of a scientific discovery, then that discovery will be used (or misused, depending on where you stand).

Unfortunately sport is one of the worst spheres …