Final answer:
The enhancement of athletic performance through technology often involves the use of performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and erythropoietin. These practices, while effectively improving performance, are illegal for non-medical use, banned in sports, and pose serious ethical issues and health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the 'others' category for the development of technology, 'enhancement of athletic performance' refers to the use of various substances and technologies to improve the physical abilities and performance of athletes.
Sports are a form of performance where athletes continuously seek ways to improve their physical capabilities, competitiveness, and success.
One common method of enhancing performance is through the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), such as anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the male sex hormone testosterone and help in building muscle mass. Similarly, human growth hormone also contributes to muscle development.
Another substance, erythropoietin, aids in increasing the production of red blood cells, thereby improving aerobic capacity and endurance.
While these substances can lead to improved athletic performance, they raise significant ethical concerns and health risks.
The use of PEDs is considered cheating and is banned by major sports organizations due to the unfair advantage they provide to those who use them.
Moreover, the side effects of PEDs can be severe, non-reversible, and potentially fatal. Health risks to athletes include physiological strains that exceed the body's natural coping mechanisms.
Therefore, such drugs are illegal for non-medical purposes and prohibited in competitive sports.