The “natural” myth is still alive in Beijing, but it’s becoming so far-fetched — and potentially dangerous — that some scientists and ethicists would like to abandon it, arguing that legalizing doping would encourage more sensible, informed use of drugs in amateur sport and lead to an overall decline in the rate of health problems associated with doping.

Antidoping authorities can’t possibly keep up with the accelerating advances in biology, such as “gene doping” — inserting genes in the athelete’s DNA to increase strength and endurance without leaving telltale chemicals in the bloodstream.

In addition, if elite adult athletes were allowed to push the limits of human performance in return for glory, they might point the way for lesser mortals to coax more out of their bodies.