The Role Of Ben Johnson During The Olympic Olympics

Case 8.28 explains the role Ben Johnson played in the investigation into drugs in sports. Johnson was a well-known Canadian runner. He won gold in the 1988 Olympics breaking both world and Olympic records. Winning the gold medal at the Seoul Olympic Games gave Canadians a reason to celebrate and led to widespread celebrations across the country. Winning gold for one’s country bring pride to the country and Canada took full advantage. It is believed that the Prime Minister even used the victory to call a federal election. After the Olympics were over, the world found out that Johnson’s body contained an illegal substance. Johnson was stripped of his gold medal from the Olympic committee and what Canada had been rejoicing was now†¦show more content†¦Factual issues of the case include the use of steroids and the pressure from Canada for Johnson to win the race at the Olympics. The pressure from the peoples’ expectations of him dominating in his performance was another factual issue in this case. Lastly, the investigation that led to the discovery of an international substance abuse problem. To answer some of the moral or ethical decisions a few things must be determined. What is considered cheating? How can a substance abuse problem be determined? Also, did Canada have a right to go after athletes in their quest to seek the truth about substance abuse in the country? On the bases on deontology, Johnson is aware of the substances banned by the Olympic committee. He knew it was possible that he would be tested prior to the games. Substance is considered a wrongdoing by the Olympic committee. This is why they have issued a ban on certain substance and why if a person is caught in violating the rules they will be stripped of their medal. The Canadian government was acting in a way to protect the country. The country also knew the use of a banned substance went against the rules and as a result the country investigated sports across the n ation. From a teleological perspective Johnson may have felt it was for the good of the country to do what he could to perform well. Winning a gold medal for Canada