Institutional cheating

Of late, I came across a lot of rumors of companies “cheating”. Copying the others’ codes, products, secret sauces, stealing customer databases, etc. Within the gambit of law, and arguably all is fair in love, war and business. We, at OfBusiness, believe, though, that it finally catches up. And one example always comes to my mind.

Little do people remember (and rightfully so) the success of East Germany in Olympics in the ‘70s to ‘80s. The tiny nation of 17 million people ended in the top 3 of all nine games, and in top 2 of 8 that it participated in (Pic below).

Their success was unparalleled in women’s multi-medal and physical disciplines of athletics, luge, swimming and rowing. The country’s fame grew with global recognition.

But it all sank without a trace with the fall of the Berlin Wall. The world came to know that East Germany’s success was largely due to a systematic doping program run by the state. With devastating consequences for all, especially the athletes. They were shamed by authorities and suffered severe health issues. After sacrificing their growing up days and being multi-medal winners, their achievements were all but forgotten.

They became the scapegoats of a nation eyeing glory via short-cuts. A nation that ceased to exist.

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