When you explain complicated concepts to an extraterrestrial, or a time-traveler, or a child with no frame of reference, you must boil the idea down to its simplest elements. But sometimes doing that reveals that the concept itself makes no sense! Maybe we should do this sort of thing more often. Link
As for fair, what about all the technological advantages rich countries have over poor ones - better training facilities, better equipment, financial support, scientifically formulated diets. If we are going to be truly fair shouldn't all athletes have access to the same training and equipment.
Where does one draw the line.