Athletic achievements have always captivated human imagination, pushing the boundaries of human potential and inspiring generations. Our understanding of fair play and ethical competition has evolved, with our ever-changing sporting environment. Some achievements that were once celebrated have now come under scrutiny. Here are 12 historical athletic performances that would not meet today’s standards of fair play.

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

Ben Johnson’s 100-Meter Dash (1988 Olympics)

Ben Johnson’s stunning victory in the 100-meter dash at the 1988 Seoul Olympics was marred by doping allegations. His record-breaking 9.79 seconds were later annulled due to his failing the drug test. Traces of the banned drug Stanozolol were found in his urine, highlighting the dark side of athletic competition.

Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 100 and 200-Meter Sprint Records (1988 Olympics)

Popularly known as Flo-jo, Griffith-Joyner has been one of the best female athletes to represent the USA. Her electrifying speed shattered records in the 100 and 200-meter sprints during the 1988 Olympics. However, her extraordinary performances fueled suspicions of doping, as the wind gauge used for her race showed 0.0m/s, casting a shadow over her achievements despite never being proven.

Bob Beamon’s Long Jump (1968 Olympics)

Bob Beamon’s monumental long jump of 8.90 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics seemed to defy the laws of physics. While his leap remains unmatched in its sheer magnitude, questions have been raised about the possible wind assistance, which could have influenced the record.

Lance Armstrong’s Tour de France Victories (1999-2005)

Lance Armstrong’s seven consecutive Tour de France victories were once touted as a triumph of human resilience. But this fame was shortlived as revelations of systematic doping tarnished his legacy when an investigation by a US-based agency showcased the presence of a banned performance enhancer drug in his blood in 2012. Showcasing deceit can undermine even the most celebrated athletic achievements.

Marita Koch’s 400-Meter Dash (1985)

Marita Koch’s blistering speed in the 400-meter dash set a world record of 47.60 seconds in 1985. While her record remains unbroken, suspicions of state-sponsored doping during the East German era raise doubts about the fairness of her performance.

Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa’s Home Run Race (1998)

Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa’s pursuit of baseball’s single-season home run record captivated the world in 1998. Unfortunately, the Sosa-McGwire home run chase happened in the middle of the Steroid Era. Performance-enhancing drugs were prevalent around the league and changed the game as we know it. Steroids were banned by baseball in 1991, but testing on major league players didn’t start until 2003. The subsequent revelation of widespread steroid use among baseball players tarnished the integrity of their achievements.

Rosie Ruiz’s Boston Marathon “Victory” (1980)

Hailed as one of the most prestigious running events, the Boston Marathon made headlines for all the wrong reasons when Rosie Ruiz’s improbable victory in the 1980 Boston Marathon raised eyebrows when it was discovered that she had skipped a significant portion of the race. Her fraudulent claim to fame is a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity in sports.

Milo of Croton’s Olympic Feats (6th Century BC)

Milo of Croton’s legendary feats of strength in the ancient Olympics, including reportedly carrying a bull on his shoulders, evoke awe and admiration. However, separating fact from myth in his tales is challenging, blurring the lines between reality and legend.

The East German Women’s Swimming Team (1970s-1980s)

The East German women’s swimming team’s dominance in the 1970s and 1980s raised suspicions of state-sponsored doping. While their record-breaking performances dazzled the world, the toll it took on their health in subsequent years supports the theory that many of their victories were due to steroids or other performing-enhancing drugs.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s Heptathlon Record (1988 Olympics)

Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s remarkable performance at the 1988 Olympics showcased her versatility and athleticism. However, allegations of performance-enhancing drugs raise their ugly head here as well. That era was rife with accusations in track and field, which raises questions about the fairness of her achievement.

Michael Phelps’ Eight Gold Medals (2008 Olympics)

Michael Phelps’ historic feat of winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics cemented his status as a swimming legend. While it is widely accepted that Phelps’ physical structure is an anomaly, which gives him a natural advantage, debates about the use of high-tech swimsuits and the potential advantages linger, challenging the purity of his accomplishments.

Roger Bannister’s Four-Minute Mile (1954)

Roger Bannister’s groundbreaking sub-four-minute mile in 1954 captivated the world and redefined the limits of human potential. While his achievement was untainted by doping scandals, the advancements in training techniques and equipment since then raised questions about the fairness of comparisons across eras.