AQA GCSE PE Paper 2 Practice Exam – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Excel in Your Assessment! 2026

Taking performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) is considered cheating and unethical because it undermines the principles of fair competition and sportsmanship. In sports, athletes are expected to compete based on their natural abilities, skills, and hard work. Using PEDs gives athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors, who are competing honestly.

Moreover, the use of PEDs is often prohibited by sports governing bodies, and athletes found using these substances can face serious penalties, including disqualification from events, suspension, or bans from their sport. This cheating aspect not only affects the individual's reputation but also damages the integrity of the sporting event itself. Thus, the unethical nature of PED use is a significant disadvantage.