Athletes who are caught doping should never be allowed to return to professional sport. That is the opinion of a clear majority of our audience. A smaller group believes that these athletes should be allowed to make a comeback, but only if additional anti-doping tests are put in place specifically for them.
As Tomas Rodriguez – who won Ironman Texas in 2024 but was stripped of his victory shortly afterwards after testing positive for doping – works towards a comeback and hopes to return to racing later this year, we wanted to know: what do you actually think?
A poll conducted on our social media channels shows strong feelings on the matter. No fewer than 48 percent believe that athletes who are caught doping should never be allowed to return – effectively ending their careers. 32 percent feel that dopers should be allowed back after serving their suspension, but only if they are subjected to additional doping controls.
Another 13 percent believe suspensions should be extended, forcing doping offenders to wait longer before they are allowed to compete again. Only 7 percent think that athletes should be able to return directly to the professional field once their suspension has been served, without any additional measures.
