ABSTRACT
Participation in sport provides a number of benefits; however, elite sport presents a unique situation. The same positive outcomes that give the impression of a sort of ‘superhuman’ nature to these athletes may often be compromised in the pursuit of success. Despite enhanced performance, elite athletes are often willing to resort to performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), playing through injury and pain, permanent damage, addiction and risk brain damage through concussion to win. This chapter will examine this conundrum and explore the positive and negative impacts of participation in elite sport on long-term health. Additionally, potential mechanisms for protecting athletes and helping them understand consequences will be discussed.
