Genetic enhancements may be on horizon for athletes

But many sports scientists warn that performance-enhancing drugs may be a thing of the past when it comes to illicit ways to win.

Scientists on the forefront of genetic manipulation predict that in as little as five to 15 years, athletes may be using genetic engineering to get the edge over their opponents.

For instance, techniques evolved from animal research at the University of Pittsburgh could potentially be used to heal sports injuries and enhance athletic performance. Scientists are injecting stem cells into muscle cells in hopes of helping children with muscular dystrophy.

"The growth factor that we're using, the stem cells that we're using, the gene therapy that we have been performing, can be used to improve the strength of a muscle," says Johnny Huard, of the university's molecular genetics department.

That means if the experiments work safely in humans, the technique could be used to increase an athlete's strength and endurance, raising a host of troublesome new issues for sporting officials.

"Genetic engineering will pose some very difficult problems for sport," says Larry Bowers of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, not least because it could be difficult -- if not impossible -- to detect.

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