Doping in sport - past, present, future

Doping in sport represents a long-standing and multifaceted challenge that disrupts the fundamental values of fair play, endangers athletes’ health, and undermines public trust in sporting achievements. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of doping as a historical, legal, medical, and socioeconomic phenomenon. The study traces the evolution of performanceenhancing practices from antiquity to the present, with special attention to modern regulatory efforts and notable doping cases. It discusses the most prevalent types of doping substances and methods, reasons for their use, and their long-term psychological and physiological consequences. Legal responses, including the role of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and national bodies such as the Anti-Doping Agency of the Slovak Republic, are critically examined. A particular emphasis is placed on the ethical dilemma posed by therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs), which blur the line between legitimate medical treatment and performance manipulation. The paper also considers the lex sportiva principle in contrast with national criminal law responses and calls for stricter sanctions to deter future violations. In conclusion, the author reflects on the future of anti-doping regulation in light of emerging substances, technologies, and societal attitudes. Maintaining the integrity of sport requires not only effective enforcement but also a renewed cultural commitment to honesty, health, and human dignity.